Now, in collaboration with Ann & Paul, Mary's sister and husband, it was time for us to steel ourselves - sorry, prepare - for the arrival of the Russian delegation for the New Year.
Saturday January 2nd
Our nephew Paul, was about to arrive in this country from Moscow, with his lady friend, Arina, her daughter Genya, and her mother Valentina, and were booked into a cottage several miles out in ther wilds, accessible by snow covered winding lanes complete with a bridge about to be renewed and needing a road closure. Alternative routes were discussed but, as far as I know, without agreement being reached.
Ann and Paul were both smitten with a ghastly bug which put them out of action, so Mary & I collected food and suchlike provisions for the supermarket in Malton and managed, thanks to David's and Mary's superb driving and my map reading, to get to the cottage and leave the stuff in preparation for the arrival of the visitors.
Sunday January 3rd
Arina had driven their party up from Heathrow in a hired car, apparently without difficulty, and they had found their way to the cottage, which they all liked. They know all about snow and far lower temperatures than us!
In the evening they all came to us for dinner, which was liberally lubricated with mulled wine!
A great evening, enjoyed by all.
Monday January 4th
The visitors amused themselves on the tourist trails.
Ann & Paul still unwell.
Tuesday January 5th
Still snowing on and off. Ann & Paul still not very well and not helped by the fact that their poor old dog, Toby had to be put down.
After clearing away our Christmas Decorations, we had dinner in the evening at Florio's Italian Restaurant, in Malton. Participants were Mary and I, Paul, Arina, Genya and Valentina. Valentina does not speak English, so the interpretation of everything was fun. We all ate and drank quite a lot, except for the two drivers, Mary and Arina, and a great time was had.
Wednesday January 6th
The four vsitors had a day touring the sights etc (and the shops)
Thursday January 7th
Paul took Valentina and Genya back to Moscow, leaving Arina in UK to go off to a conference for a few days. What a noble fellow he is!!
Tuesday Januaryy 19th
Ann & Paul (Snr) have now recovered and have been to Kent to Take Paul's mother back home,and came back today. We are finally getting our culinary equipment and containers back from the "Russians" rented cottage today, and life is almost back to normal.
The icing on the cake is that I (Fred) have just got my Driving Licence back and am mobile again!
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