Fortunately my leg has healed enough for me to take the lead on this
display of Christmas lights on Stopples Lane. I also grasped the
opportunity of conversing with owner Nick and his lad, Charlie. Nick explained that he likes to move things around each year, and picks up new items wherever he finds them. The reindeer beside Santa on the sledge came from a skip; the sledge had been in his garage for years. Note that the Santa on the wall in the first picture bears a countdown to Christmas Day.
The windows in a small row of neighbouring shops were similarly
decorated. Here are those to Silver Thread & Golden Needles and Everything Pets.
Jackie photographed Hatherley’s Hairdressers window; close-ups of that of Silver Threads & Golden Needles;
and me in action.
For some years now it has been a tradition for us to dine on Mr Chan’s Hordle Chinese Take Away fare on Christmas Eve, regardless of the numbers present. Mr Chan has retired, so having been able to say goodbye,
Jackie also photographed the darkened window and the closed sign.
Kings House is a perfectly adequate alternative, but we will miss Mr Chan.
This evening we enjoyed the third and final outing of Jackie’s wholesome liver casserole meal with new potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, accompanied, in my case, by more of the Cabernet Sauvignon.