Chestnuts and Trains

I went back home for Christmas on the Thursday evening and spent Friday sorting out things and sleeping! On Saturday dad and I decided to to go to Arley for a walk (mom didn't want to join us)

Sunny day.

When we were little, every year we would get the steam train for Kidderminster to Arley to see Santa. So it was packed the day before Christmas Eve.

Train!

Arley station

Smokey.

Changing the time of the next train

Gone

Train drivers contemplating life.

Another reason to go was to get roasted chestnuts. I only ever seem to eat them at Christmas and dad hadn't had any this year. And they were lovely.

Munching chestnuts

We spent some more time thing photos before heading back across the river for a cup of tea.

Riverside cafe.

One the way home we stopped into my Aunt and Uncles house for a gin & tonic (or 2 for me) and a chat. I was hoping they would come over during the break but unfortunately they came down with the bug that's going around.
Christmas Eve was quiet, just getting things ready for the big day and of course watching the Hogfather, which is my and moms Christmas film and the best Christmas film there is! We also made some eggnog. Mom and dad hadn't tried it before but it was a success (though I had to use more booze than the recipe said to make mom happy!).

Eggnog.

Christmas at Kew

Lights!

On Wednesday I took my first trip to Christmas at Kew (I am going again with some friends next time). And it was really cold!

Entrance

They have lit a lot of the trees along with path (about a mile long) as well as the exhibits, which are themed for obviously Christmas. There are also plenty of places to get food and drinks. :) 

Creepy tree

5 golden rings

4 calling birds

3 french hens

2 turtle doves

And a partridge in a pear tree

I really loved the light tunnel. To music of course.

Dancing elf.

Santa did not look this creepy in real life.

I ate at the fair ground, and I am really hoping we will again. I had tartiflette, basically baked potato, cheese and bacon. So nice. And they have rum punch and mulled cider and wine. No, I did not try all of them. But will give the other a shot next week.

They have a few fair ground rides. Why do carousel horses always look slightly demented?

Freaking out!

And some rosters as well

Lantern garden

I thought I read they were getting rid of the Hive. Thankfully they aren't (yet at least). And it looks great lit up.

The Hive

Looking up

 I also found a secret little stop which most people seem to miss. Unfortunately it was way too cold to sit outside and enjoy it.

Also hoping to visit again next, there is a stall selling amazing giant marshmallows next to open pits you can roast them over. (This is one US tradition I miss.) The strawberry and Champagne marshmallows were very nice. (Though an open fire is better. You can get them crispier!)

Roasting marshmallows.

Stags head.

Giant Candles.

More elves.

The grans finale is the light show over the pond and against the palm house. Very impressive. And it was so cold the pond/lake was frozen over. 

Snow flakes.

Drama.

I loved it! I can't wait to go again! And I am definitely in the Christmas spirit now. I have also brought a tree (a little smaller than I expected but it going to be dressed soon!). 

In other news, I spent today in hospital again, thanks to a vicious can which sliced open my finger last night. And would not stop bleeding. After 16 hours, I figured enough was enough. And spent 3 hrs in urgent care to make sure it was ok. It is. Just painful and gross. And I am still of occasionally bleeding on things! (Doing the tree tomorrow and my christmas wrapping is going to be interesting.)