Tuesday 26th December 2017

Boxing Day (UK)

I can't lie, the worry about Mulder really did mean that Christmas was subdued. But at the same time it made us realise what is important to us, and how much we love all three of the hairy pests. In fact, Mulder has been slowly improving, which may mean nothing. But on the 23rd, could not eat at all, and was dribbling uncontrollably. On Christmas Eve he could eat wet food if it was cut up small, and by the end of Christmas Day he was eating the wet food normally again. That might have been down to the steroid injection he had, but there was nothing else they could do, as he needed to be clear of meds on the 27th for his blood works and tissue sampling operation.

So we keep an eye on the fella and see if there is any change, and make sure he is comfortable. In fact over both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day all three cats seemed quieter than usual, which meant that Jools and I did our hobbies, or me cook in the kitchen with the cats sleeping in their various spots around the house. So a quiet, subdued couple of days.

And on Boxing Day we slept in until nearly eight. Scully had slept beside me all night, right beside my shoulder on the bed. In fact she might be suffering from sleeping sickness as all she does is sleep and eat, hardling going out, which is no surprise when the weather is so wet and windy.

But Boxing Day dawned clear and bright. And although it seemed OK to laze around the house all day again, I thought that as it was a day off from the cross trainer, we should go out for a walk, nothing too strenuous, but something that would be bracing. Dover promenade was mentioned, but then I thought of Deal seafront and pier, maybe even a little cooked breakfast action at the end of the pier, maybe.

We got dressed, fed the cats and went straight out, with no coffee; can you believe that madness?

We get into deal about half eight, the sun had been up for twenty minutes, maybe, and the light was sensational. Even better was thet there were very few other people around. There were dog walkers and joggers, and us, and our cameras. We had four between us.

We park near the now empty paddling pool, then walk down past the line of fishing boats that had been drawn up onto the beach. Always a photographic opportunity or two there, and indeed there was another snapper there with a Canon L series lens, I have no idea what, but I know I was getting good enough results with my nifty fifty.

There really was very few people about, the occasional jogger would huff and puff past, but for us cruisers, it seemed there would be no breakfast, as all cafes were closed, or not opening until well after then, even the pier was all locked up, not even allowing fishermen on. So we walk by.

Eventually we turn inland an walk back down Middle Street, totally empty of people, so making for some fine shots. Even down on the High Street, few people about, with only the bookies, coffee shops and pound shops open, at what was now nearly ten.

We drive back home, traffic was building heading into town, which I now realise was for the Charity Swim taking place near the pier. But we were nearly home by now, turning up Station Road and on to home.

As soon as we get in, I put on the grill for some bacon butties, which soon fill the air with the glorious grilling smell. Bread is buttered, brews made, and breakfast is ready. Oh man, we had a keen appetite from the walk, and made short work of breakfast. But now we would fast as I was to cook a repeat of the Christmas Day meal, but this time just warming up some turkey meat and stuffing.

The rest of the day is spent listening to football on the radio, as Christmas means wall to wall football. First game is on at half twelve and there is barely a break until gone seven in the evening. And Norwich win, 2-0 at Brum, and first win in what seems months. Too early to see if a corner has been turned, but who knows. Burnley draw at Old Trafford, Jose says he needs to spend more mony. And Harry Kane is the higest scoring player in Europe, having scored his second hat-tick in three days to overtake Messi. Its been that kind of year.

I write, edit shots, and make coffee. The cats sleep on as the day fades and another Boxing Day is over.

At six I make dinner, so we sit down at seven to eat another Christmas feast with a bottle of Prosecco and the radio burbles on as we eat.

Outside the rain begins to fall, and the wind picks up again, so by the time we go to bed it is a wild night and the gales howl round the house in darkness. Scully joins me and cuddles up for warmth.