Stormy Christmas Eve

It's a stormy Christmas Eve but we are cosy indoors and I think that we are all ready for Christmas. The presents are wrapped, the turkey is stuffed, the vegetables are prepared and the fridge is groaning with food.
It has been a lovely few days. On Saturday evening we went over to Steven and Hilary's with Michael and Lil for dinner. It was a totally brilliant evening and they made us an amazing Japanese meal. First we had sushi, then vegetables in tempura batter, steamed dumplings with plum sauce and then teriyaki salmon with rice. I have never eaten home made Japanese food before and each course was absolutely delicious, I couldn't pick a favourite.
Sunday was also a lovely day. I went into town first to get my hair cut, an experience which I enjoy more now than I ever have thanks to my pleasant hairdresser. Then James arrived in by train and we met Heather and Ewan for our annual Christmas lunch, this year at Arisaig in Merchant Square. I had asked for a table outside in the courtyard area so it was quite pretty and festive with Christmas lights high up on the roof and people milling around the craft fair. We were gratified that not only was the food very nice but the prices were very reasonable! They even undercharged us but we were honest and owned up. Because that's the kind of people we are! After we had eaten our fill we moved across the square to Metropolitan for drinks. It was very relaxing and fun and has become a great Christmas tradition.
When we got home Jamie had arrived! It was wonderful to see him; we haven't seen him for about six weeks because of his exams and then his ski holiday. Not only was our boy home but he cooked the tea ready for Grandma coming round which was very helpful!
On Monday we all went to It's a Wonderful Life which we thoroughly enjoyed. How I love that film! This year we went to the Grosvenor in Ashton Lane and then we popped across the lane to Brel for dinner. The dinner was excellent and so was the setting, through the back in the conservatory with the trees outside lit up with colourful lights.
And then this morning I went to beautiful Noah's 5th birthday party. It hardly feels like five years since he was born! He was really happy surrounded by family and friends and it was a lovely occasion. Afterwards I drove into town and got my very favourite parking spot behind Marks and Spencer's in Renfrew Street. It was nice having a browse around and then some Lobster Thermidor was reduced to half price right in front of my very eyes! (from £25 to £12.50) I snapped it up along with some hot smoked salmon which was also reduced and we had a fancy fish feast for our Christmas Eve meal!