Christmastide and Winterfest

Hello reader!

How are you?

I had a great trip back to the UK on British Airways once again. I had spent a bunch of miles (25,000 to be precise) on upgrading to Club World, which meant I got a bed and nice food for 10 hours. I of course made the most of this, and took advantage of the 'Clayton Jet Lag Prevention Strategy', which involved saying "yes" a lot to the Cabin Crew:

On the tarmac:
"Mr Clayton, would you like water, orange juice or champagne?"
"Er.... now let me think..."

After take off:
"Some more Champagne?"
"Yes"

Before the meal:
"More red wine sir?"
"Yes"

repeat ad infinitum (or actually until 2 hours have passed, and you drop off to sleep)

So, you wake up whilst crossing the Irish coast at 38,000 feet, and breakfast is being brought round...

Works every time!

Anyway, after arriving home, travelling down to Birmingham to see the Grandparents (hello!), and then on to Wales, it was time for a rest, so I did absolutely nothing for about 7 days. It was great. Wales was cold (for a change), but great frosty weather and clear skies for much of the time.

A random plan to spent New Year in Scotland was thwarted when I realised that I couldn't really be bothered, didn't have a car, and would have to travel about 400 miles for 2 days. Instead I stayed in Wales where Tom (brother next one down) had organised a New Year's bash, which I have to say I think was pretty good. Believe it or not (Nick) some of his freinds drank nearly as much as you (although I think you might just pip them at the post...)

You may have noticed the "I think" above. That conditional statement is qualified by the fact that I spent most of New Year's Day lying down, on account of the rest of the world spinning more than it usually does...

So, back over to Lymm, and a Day-After-NY trip over to Ormskirk to visit Sue, Roger and the various Cousins, Second Cousins, Aunt's, Uncle's and general hangers on from the 'Clayton' side of the family. This is always a brilliant occasion, and Sue and Roger do an exemplary job of cooking, hosting and watering us all. Especially when you live so far away from everyone, it's great to catch up, even if I've no idea who all the kids belong to. Next time maybe we could have labels?

posted by Sam @ 21:41