Almost Christmas...

I know, I know, I haven't written in a while so I decided it was about time. Just has been a busy weekend and now week. Anyways though, Friday after work, was the work Christmas party that I organized. It was a complete success, as 100% of the company attended and everyone very much enjoyed it. Instead of a pub like the company normally does, I had it at a Snooker/Pool Hall around the corner from work. It was just fin, that everyone came and was so relaxed. Following the party, I went with Margaret to Jaime's school end of term service in Lincoln Cathedral. This was something that was neat to see, although they sang some Christmas carols that I did not recognize. I went home, relaxed and got a good nights sleep, because on Saturday...Erin and her mom came!!!

Bryan and I went to the train station Saturday afternoon to pick them up. I knew they would be exhausted from traveling so we took the afternoon easy, had dinner, and then went into town for a ghost walk. I had done this before a few year ago and it was quite enjoyable...the problem this particular night, it was well below freezing, the wind was blowing, and the snow was still falling. All of these combined made for a pretty miserably cold ghost walk, so we ended up not really paying attention. Afterwards, we walked to a house of one of Jaime's friends, and had hot chocolate to warm us up. On the way home, Margaret dropped Erin and I off in the village to go to the local pub. It is a short walk home and allowed us to catch up and hang out. After enjoying the quietness of the 1st pub, we started walking home, until we noticed another pub with lots of people outside. We ended up going to this one, and boy was it was. It was also quite entertaining as it was filled with about 40 guys and 4 girls. Our accents definitely were noticed and we often got made fun of, but in a joking manner. We finally wandered home in the early morning hours.

Sunday we all slept in before heading down to the Cathedral area. We just shopped and had a pub lunch, all while snow was down pouring outside! Once home, we enjoyed sitting by the fire, a warm dinner, and a wonderful conversation with the Carr's while drinking wine.

Monday was a full day. Bryan and Margaret were so kind, and actually gave me the entire day off to spend with the girls. After stopping by Castlet to show them where I have been working the last 3 months, we headed to the castle. It was gorgeous to see with all the snow on the walls and ground. Unfortunately, they did not get to see the original Magna Carta as it is on traveling display in the states. It was still a nice time though. After this, we enjoyed a very delicious Thai lunch before heading to the Cathedral. This place was gorgeous as always, and after wandering around for a bit, we joined the Roof Tour. I had never done this before either, and it was incredible. We saw some magnificent views of the inside from the roof, as well as the outside. Plus, we were able to see the rafters and how all the wood is put together to make the cathedral ceilings. Once the tour was complete, we finished seeing the rest of the Cathedral, including the exact spot where Da Vinci Code was filmed...it was not filmed at Westminster but Lincoln Cathedral instead. A few more stores and shops completed a very busy day.

Erin and her mom left Tuesday morning for London, and I headed back to work, for a quick week. It was a mini Christmas here yesterday, as I gave out my presents (Texas picture frames) to people at work, I gave the Carr's their gifts, and then they gave me mine. Tonight I am home to pack for the cruise! Merry Christmas everyone, don't know if I will be writing before then!