NO more relationships with 'girls next door'!; - after TWO in the 'Priory Street Posse'!

Wednesday in the day my father and Libby wrapped presents.
I had wrapped up some SPARE ones my Father still had that I
had bought the previous year, the previous day and taken them
to Jem’s. For Jane and her two girls some really nice suede
handbags, as well as a scarf, hat and glove set each, in leopard
skin. Now Libby piped up – ‘you gave me that same handbag
set last year too. They are TOTALLY unsuitable for Jane and
her girls. You will simply HAVE to get them out from under the
Christmas tree when we go back over there for their party
tonight!’ Then she grimly added insult to injury – ‘do you want
me to shop for you for Christmas in future?’ There was
obviously quite a row over this! They cooked a microwave
curry for supper, then between 8-11pm we went back over to
Jem’s for a Christmas Eve party with his friends and
neighbours. I got a phone call from Julie on my mobile – my
front door lock was broken and my neighbours were guarding
my flat – she had discovered this that evening while looking
after Woosskat!
So came Christmas Day, we got there at 2pm and immediately
set off for a long brisk walk under the enthusiastic urgings to
‘go further’ of Nigel, Jane’s ever talkative Uncle who was
staying with them. There were LOADS of presents that late
afternoon before turkey dinner, and despite my sister’s scolding
all my presents went down well – even the handbags. I had
bought my 14 year old nephew Jordan, two real toolkits like my
own at home, and he was also delighted with these. Supper
was again delicious – except they had quite forgotten to cook
the langoustines in the first course – and of course muggins
here ate his raw prawn before they said!
Boxing Day dawned bright and cold whereas earlier this
Christmas it had been overcast and mild. So we went on a
small pilgrimage to the South Downs, to the tree where Mum’s
ashes are scattered, and said our respects, before taking a long
hill walk in the brisk wind. We had a cold meal with Libby
providing salads and gammon – Jane was having a day off from
cooking.
I had decided to catch the train home the next day, but my
father detoured via Brighton Asda on the way – and we
308