The Fockers, Smoking and Chateau Neuf du Pape

Christmas is fantastic, I love it. Thanks to t'internet and Skype it is easy to keep in touch with family and friends be they in Arabia, New Zealand, Wood Green or anywhere else in the world. But last night we had good friends round for a raclette which is a great way of partying, and a bit safer than a fondue when too much wine has been imbibed.

Our friends Netty and Steve still smoke, Netty is on the fags and Steve the Cuban cigars. Although we gave up smoking three years ago we feel it inhospitable to deny them the right to smoke, or worse to force them out onto the freezing balcony, so the ashtrays came out and they were invited to partake, which they did.

This morning we came down the stairs and found the house smelling lovely and fresh. We didn't have to wash the curtains, neither did we have to spend five hours washing hair and clothes because we stank of tobacco. So, everybody feeling surprisingly well after gallons of Chateau Neuf du Pape, cognac and single malt the night before, we waved our guests goodbye after a hearty breakfast. Then we set out for an afternoon stroll.

We set off for a stroll but ended up at the 3-00 showing of The Little Fockers in Lancaster. Just the kind of froth to watch on a soggy, cold Christmas afternoon. And it was packed, just like the pictures used to be in the olden days. They even had trouble with the projector which delayed the start just like days of yore.

A good hot chilli tonight. Wine? Not sure.