Sunday 18th December 2022

The day the weather was due to change.

And another morning in which we laid in until half seven, and bleary eyed, I cam downstairs, and it seemed the house was on fire.

But it was Mother Nature putting on a display t all those who would notice that the weather was to change later in the day.

Outside, apart from the sunrise, another heavy hoar frost had fallen, but the vibrant red light lilled the very air, shining through glass and leaves. And minute by minute the light in the sky got every darker, more red, more orange.

After feeding the cats, I took shots.

Lots of shots, some with the nifty fifty and some with the big lens.

All came out spectacular.

And then to coffee.

Good news is that Jools had a calm night's sleep, no coughing, and felt much better. But these are early days, and after speaking with her brother, she agreed that a walk in the frost still might be the best of ideas. Not quite yet.

We have a lazy morning. Croissants and more coffee at nine, then a shower at ten for me.

There are just a few festive chores left to run, over to Gray and Julie's to deliver their card. We find that their corner of River had had the heaviest snow, and living on a steep hill has meant that they really couldn't go out for a walk or in the car, as it was unclear if they could get back up the hill. But the thaw was coming.

Then to John's to deliver his card.

He was watching the cricket, and had his grandson there, first time I had met Mark, and a very nice youn gman he seemed. He and his Jack Russell terrier.

And then home via the tip to drop off some cardboard, and back home for lunch of sausage rolls, mini pork pies followed by a man-sized slice of Chrstmas cake.

Lovely.

And onc the fire was lit, the World Cup Final between France and Argentina.

Eyes down!

And it was all very straightforward for Argentina.

For 80 minutes.

By then the South Americans were 2-0 up and, like Brasil last week, fans dancing on the terraces celebrating their expected win.

And then France got a penalty.

And scored.

80 seconds later, Mbappe scored a second to level the scores and a twist no one saw coming.

Into extra time, Argentina scored to take the lead, only for France to get another penalty with two minutes to go.

So, to penalties. And no total turnround from France, as they missed two of their first four spot kicks, and Argentina score with their last to win the cup.