One of Those Perfect Days....

Yes, Christmas Eve day was about as perfect as one can ask for. It didn't rain, the sky was intermittently blue, and the day was full of surprises.

We all, except Billy who was working, hopped on the train into London. Our first stop the
Borough Market to shop for beef for dinner. This market has been in the same place for 250 years and is the London's oldest market. Ah, the foods! Not at all like Safeway. Walk through the market with me.

Gammon, which we had for brunch, is a fresh ham.

...and a taste of mulled wine?

A wonderful market to buy your fresh gammon.

You don't even have to bake these game pies.

Have your choice of freshly baked breads.

A floral bouquet will brighten any table.

A wide choice of seasonal animals.

Turkey will definitely be on many British tables.






Our bags were filled with a standing rib roast, fresh dill, and English cheeses from Neal's Yard.

Off we went, walking to lunch. Meeting a friend of the girls who they swam with at the University of Denver, we had a delightful English lunch.

And now for the surprise, off to Shakespeare's Globe Theater. We were going to see Footsbarn's Christmas Cracker.

(A cracker is found at the English dinner table. One holds one end, crosses arms with your neighbor and pulls ones neighbor's cracker and ones own. A pop, and a small trinket emerges along with a crown and a note with jokes to share.)

The Globe is a re-creation of the original Globe spearheaded by American, Sam Wanamaker. One would originally pay one penny to be a groundling and stand in the pit by the stage. The price increased by a penny with each flight up you sat. We were at the verrrrrry top! (Today, I don't think these remain the highest price seats) Now, as this is as close to the original as possible, the roof is open to the sky and dripping at times.

One could rent a blanket and of course, a cushion to sit on the hard boards.
The place was wonderful---great costumes, comical characters, and a wonderful way to spend a Christmas Eve afternoon.












After the performance we were back on the train to Egham, all ready to cook our evening dinner and

wait for Santa. (I cannot get this picture to turn the correct way!)  He did find us all.
....A perfect Christmas Eve Day and evening with my family.  What a gift to remember.

Cindy