Another evening of gluttony is over, although a malfunctioning oven meant that some last minute jiggery-pokery with the microwave was required to make sure that we all got fed (and the veggies were still a little on the ‘al dente’ side). Nevertheless, we managed to make a good dent into the roast beef and traditional trimmings.

Matthew presents the roast beef

Teaching Aude’s parents how to play backgammon. I promise I’m not making up the rules as I go along.

So the gluttony of the season continues. Last night I cooked two ducks (Donald and Daffy) with all the traditional trimmings – orange sauce, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans and plenty of wine. After we’d finished dinner and watched the Queen’s speech, there was only one thing to do – head off to the pub. It was a great way to celebrate my last official English Christmas for a while.

Both Daisy and Calypso seemed enthusiastic about some of their presents (mostly the toys) but Daisy refuses to go inside her new carrying cage, preferring instead to sleep on top of it. What can I say – cats are weird.

Daisy is very excited about her new Christmas present

Never a stupid cat, Daisy figures out quickly that it’s safer to be on top of her cage than in it!

Calypso looks on cautiously from the sidelines

Relaxing after dinner

Putting the final touches on Donald and Daffy before they’re served for Christmas dinner

Daffy a l’orange