We have, this year, nearly had all the family together for Christmas: in early December the two “uncles” were in NSW [Mark and John], seen here in the courtyard at 33 Blackbutt Circle.

This meant  that all five of the male Coulsheds who feature regularly on this website were together for the first time in several years.

We had a form of Christmas Dinner together, using the Royal Worcester Evesham dining set that had been collected by Olive Coulshed in Liverpool, and now is kept in Australia!

However the real Christmas Dinner was held with the Nicklin Grandparents, on Christmas Day – although we used the Evesham on this occasion also.

This has also been the season for birthdays, of course.  Andrew’s was first.  Here he is, lighting all the 16 candles, with a catering blowtorch (of course).

Nick’s was a larger party.  Not surprising, given that it was his 18th Birthday Party.

We are lucky: our house, especially the “Middle Room”, is just made for entertaining!