Youngest & Partner went over to Nottingham last week to see the Winter Wonderland which has appeared in Old Market Square.  For quite a few years it has been voted the best Winter Market in the country and of course we are biased it being our Home Town.  They always do a great job and Old Market Square in the centre of the city and in front of the Nottingham Council House provides a brilliant spot for these events.  In summer they have the Nottingham Beach which is always well attended. 

There are quite a few different food stalls selling food from around Europe, the above one being the Windmill Grill.  Behind it is the touring Observation Wheel which gives a great view over the City.

The above photograph is from the Wheel overlooking the Ice Skate park and rink at the other end of the Square. 

The Nottingham Council House in all its glory above.

This is the view down the left hand side of the Council House looking towards the Helter Skelter.

They had a lovely day and again I am hoping to be able to go next year.  Yesterday we got the Christmas tree from the garden centre in our village and then had a lovely breakfast.  Eldest, Partner and Little Man came about 12.00pm so we could have dinner with Youngest for his Birthday.  Then we cleared up and had an early night as we were all exhausted. 

This morning we got the Christmas tree up and decorated and will finish the rest of the decorations tonight as DH is out for the Light Switch on in the Village having done the Light Switch on’s for Long Eaton and Ilkeston on Thursday and Friday night.  It has been a very busy end of the week. 

In preparation for the Christmas decorations going up a few pieces of furniture in our sitting room have to be moved and in particular the drinks table.  Also the shelf on the Bookcase which holds my TBRs’ has to be cleared as my Nativity scene goes there.  So DH decided to stack the books behind the drinks table (above).  However he will have to reach my books when I need a new one!! 

I am busy working my way through my Christmas Lists; I have wrapped all the presents, I have my Christmas card lists done and just now need to write them and get them posted.  Tomorrow will be Christmas baking day.  I have sorted out my kitchen cupboards and spice rack and just now need to tidy the two freezers and that will be done.  Next weekend we don’t have anything on, so we will be doing all my extra cleaning bits that I don’t get done on a weekly basis and we will then be ready for Christmas and a visit from Santa Claus!  I will show you pictures when it is all done. 

Coco has had her Spa day and I have a spa day booked on Tuesday which I am so looking forward to.  I won’t be at Eldest’s this week as he is busy doing his Blue Light training for the Fire serivce this week and next, he is excited but also a little apprehensive.  Saturday next week DH, Youngest, Partner & are going for dinner for his Birthday on the Steam Train. Always a great visit, so again pictures next week.  We also have some lovely lunches coming up seeing friends and family before Christmas, which to me is always the best part of Christmas.

Christmas is now coming up fast and I cannot believe how fast the weeks are going by, but I am sure it is because we are so, so busy.  DH has now handed over Chairmanship of the Swimming Club to our new Chairman so will hopefully have a little more time to spare although he will still do his announcing duties.  We have a fun Gala for the Club on December 14th and then the Presentation Night when the swimmers get their trophies and have a social evening on December 20th.  One of my “Aims” for the New Year and certainly January, February and March will be to slow down a little bit.  It is the time of year when the weather is usually cold and grey and a great time for reading which I fully intend to do.  I am also aiming to get some more de-cluttering and tidying done too. 

I hope you lovely lot have had a wonderful weekend, a great week to come and I will see you back here tomorrow. 

Hugs & Love, Susie & Coco xx