Walkabout in Kings Lynn

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               This morning it was overcast and very cold so we took the bus to Lynn so we could show Natalie some of the old buildings and other sites. Douglas loves sharing all the history and different facts about the places and so was in his element. Natalie was very patient and attentive even when he stumbled over some of the words. I think she was fascinated by all the people who came over to chat to Douglas, even when we were in Lynn. It is a small world after all and he is a "people" person.

  We walked along narrow roads and cobbled lanes and eventually ended up at the river where it was even colder.

 Of course we did go to Poundland and a few other shops but eventually caught the bus back going along the scenic route via some of the villages.

Christmas at Ely Cathedral

I loved the tree and Nativity scene.

                                                                      They must be expecting some important people at their midnight Mass.

 Douglas enjoyed being able to give Natalie all the information. She was very patient with him especially when he battled a bit to find the correct words towards the end of our visit there.

 The Wise men where in a different room ready to visit once the baby had been born.

                                                                            Douglas was impressed with the size and colours of the Advent candles 

 On the way back to the car we passed this little church with its own Christmas decorations. A contrast to what we had seen at the Cathedral but still very effective.

Another visit to Ely

We decided to visit Ely and show Natalie the Cathedral there as well as giving her a chance to see some of the area where we live. Every time we visit the Cathedral we see something new and today was no exception. They were getting ready for Christmas and the display of flowers was fantastic.

                                                                      There were flowers everywhere. 

Some were on stands, others on the floor and there were even flowers on the alters.

The wheels turn

At 16h00 (4pm) the second Carol service started. Those of you who know me well know that I am not in favour of singing Carols before Christmas, but somehow because it is dark so early and it is at least well into December and the 4th Sunday in Advent, it was easier to manage this year.The church was once again full and the candles on the window sills and the lights on the Christmas tree (I still battle to get used to a tree in the church) made for a very Christmas y atmosphere. The children all were able to take part as the Christmas story was told and the scriptures were read. In between the story telling and the readings Carols and songs were sung. The candles held by the congregation were lit before the last Hymn and so "Silent Night" was sung in the church lit only by candles and the Christmas tree lights. It was rather strange and a bit sad for me to have Douglas next to me in the pew knowing how much he always enjoyed taking the service and my mind went back to last year when he had had such a busy time because his colleague had been off work due to illness. Now it was his turn to rest while she did all the hard work. We praise the Lord that she is healthy and has managed to cope with all the services. Christmas is on a Sunday this year and that has also helped.

The first of many

This morning we had the first of many Carol Services. The church was full and during the service we had a special treat as a local band was present and so we had some very lovely musical accompaniment.  After the service we enjoyed a Christmas Dinner served in the church hall. We both feel we need to loose some weight but this is rather difficult at the moment with all these yummy meals. One cannot be rude and refuse so maybe the diet will need to wait till the new year.

London, Lights and drama

We have never been to London to see the Christmas lights so decided that we should do so this year. We always enjoy the train ride and this time we decided to start our sight seeing at St Pancreas International station. We then took a bus to Oxford Street but there were so many people milling around that we decided to return to the bus and so were able to see the sights in comfort from the front seats at the top of the Double Decker bus. (Praise the Lord for our free bus passes)

There were even lights on the lights poles.

We then took the Piccadilly Circus bus to Trafalgar Square. More magnificent lights.

At Trafalgar Square we once more went walkabout to look at the tree and the fountains that kept changing their colours.

We were very happy to see that the real reason for the season had not been forgotten.

On the bus ride back to Kings Cross there was some drama when a passenger fell down the steps going to the upper deck. The driver stopped the bus and wanted to call an ambulance but even though she could not speak English she did manage to get her message across and as the driver was assured by the passenger that she had not broken any bones we continued on our way.