Where Devonshire Tea Comes From

Margie, Annabel, Andy, Carolyn (AKA 'Pinchy') and I hired a car and a cottage in the Devon countryside and on the 23rd we loaded up and drove out. Nic and Ash joined us for the first few days as well.

It didn't take long for Margie and Bella to completely lose it and they were in tears within the first hour (good tears not the bad ones).

It wasn't long though and we were in the countryside complete with tiny hedge lined roads and lots of sheep.

This Photo was actually taken on the 1 sunny day we had the rest of the time it was miserable and grey

Soon enough we arrived at the cottage and it was fantastic. We quickly made ourselves at home and got to know the locals at the 13th century pub.

The next day, Christmas Eve, we all did a bit of exploring at the next town Bideford and got supplies for Christmas day lunch. After we picked up some supplies we decided that it was time for some real Devonshire Tea at another medevil thatch-roofed pub.

We also decided that we would need a Christmas tree so the girls went and picked one from a local paddock and had some guy cut it down for them (the sign said 'cut your own' but, you know). One it was all sorted it didn't take long to make the place look Christmas-y.

And finally for Christmas eve dinner Andy made us all his famous Pumpkin Risotto. As you can see Margie was pretty happy about that.

Still looks like Christmas

Last night we shared the Cassidy Road Christmas experience. First we all met up at 7 for Champagne and Secret Santa.

Margie was stoked to be Santa and hand out the pressies. They were awesome and everyone got something they really wanted. And as you can see below Nic Was pretty happy about her DVD player!

We all went out for an awesome dinner at a local pub and had feast of mulled wine (which is really great), steak and lamb. then Toffee pudding for dessert. YUM!

The temperature has dropped in the last 2 days and last night it was -2 which made the walk home rather chilly, especially for Damo who only wore a jumper (He's a Kiwi).

We got home and had to play with Margie's present, Singstar (Karaoke, what is with all the b***dy Karoke lately???).

Not Like the Prince Albert...

2 nights ago margie booked us tickets to go and see the carols at Royal Albert Hall.

We had a great Japanese dinner in town and got to see all of the lights in Piccadilly Circus before getting the number 9 bus to Royal Albert hall.

It's an incredible building that has housed some amazing shows.
Margie and I picked up our tickets and proceded to the 'gallery' upstairs... 4 stories worth.

We got to the top and I asked Marg where our seats were she was a bit sheepish and mumbles something about standing.

As you can see above our 'seats' were actualy a portion of floor near the roof that wasn't blocked by lights or a large TV camera. I guess you should never expect too much when you buy the tickets the night before the event.

All whinging aside though, it was a great night and the orchestra were amazing as was our view.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

Last week we all decided that it was time to get Christmas-y, so we grabbed a hungover Marg (Sha had spent a great day with Jodes and Bella picking a wedding dress at Harrods -gulp-) and went on the search for the perfect (cheapest) Real Christmas tree.

Marg is specially proud of the photo above that shows her in her best 'chav' gear in front of the police bus out the front of our house.

We also went a bit nuts with the lights and decorations and we'll put up some photos soon.

Sure, It Wasn't Iceland But...

Our office Christmas party was not going to be a trip to Iceland or in fact even a trip outside zone 1 but that didn't stop us having a great time... Even if Karaoke was going to be involved.

it all began with a hearty lunch of roast turkey and the Secret Santa.
I can't show evenhalf of the presents as kids look at this site but there were some beauties.

Next up was a great bar right in Leicester Square where we mustered up the courage to go and sing.

We finished our drinks and headed to the K-Box but got sidetracked on the way by a carnival set up in Leicester Square, so we all jumped in a dodgem car and went for it.

The highlights (if ther can ever be a highlight at Karaoke) were Craig's random beatboxing and rasta rapping, Noel's heavy metal version of I should be so lucky, Mus singing in a dress and my own first ever solo atempt at karaoke (to Elvis of all things - it was pulled out of a hat) which went down a treat.

Iceland

Well... last weekend we had my work Christmas party in Rykevik Iceland! As you do...

It was an amazing weekend full of snowball fights between tectonic plates, lounging around in thermal spas and excessive drinking.

I think it is a work Christmas party that truly cannot be topped!

Marg x

Downtime

Well the web is off at home and it's affecting our blogging. It'll be back by Thursday night next week UK time.

By that time Marg will have been to Iceland and back and will no doubt have great stories and photos to blog about.

If you are looking for something to read while we have our downtime head over to Jenni's blog and watch little Jackson grow almost in real time, read Annabel and Andy's UK adventures blog and see what real proffesional photographers can do or take a trip down memory lane.

bye for now

PS
Well dine to my 'little' brother Caillin for getting his apprenticeship in Canberra. I know It’s scary moving out of home to a new city at 17 but it's also great fun mate.

PPS
Nice message in the previous post (I'm assuming it was you Caillin!)

Movember

Well it was fun whilst it lasted but the mo had to come off (work) but I thought it might be cool to show everyone what I did for Movember.

When Jodie saw the mo her descriptioon was "You look like a dirty criminal". Prety apt I thought.

Congratulations!

Well a huge congratulations goes out to Phil who FINALLY did it... He met Greg Norman... Oh and he asked Paula to Marry him!

We are over the moon for you both and wish you all the best

Punk Rock Engagement

Steve and Genevieve had their Engagement party on Saturday and it was a great night.
Annabel came along and we all went to see Steve and his band '8 Year Old Mum' play at the Hope and Anchor the first place that U2 ever played live... apparently.

For some reason this was yet another Saturday with people singing karoke but at least this time it wasn't Margie singing ;)