My old home on the bay. . . . . . . . . .

The arrow points to where we'll be staying for Christmas week this year.

Photos are from the rental website.

Although Winter, there will still be boats moored in the harbour and, for me, that

view is always lovely no matter the weather or season - after all it's HOME! 

This is the view from the balcony of the condo - the promenade gardens below

 the Rock Walk, the outer harbour, Living Coasts Aviary, and Tor Bay looking

 across to the tiny fishing port of Brixham where my dad was born in 1900.

It was, and still is, known as one of the best fishing areas in England with the 

fleet going out daily into the England Channel waters.

The Ferris wheel will be gone to its Winter location - but hopefully the sun will shine,

 the water will be calm, and brave sailors will still be boating across the beautiful bay.

I always love to go home. Being there for Christmas will be special.

Open House. . . . . . . . . . .

The Vintage Village and SuzAnna's Antiques held their annual Christmas Open House

Thursday night - and what fun it was!

On a perfect evening - a calm and comfortable 55F - Santa arrived as costumed 

singers and musicians played old country and modern carols. Lights glittered and

 glimmered as we raised a glass and nibbled on delicious cheesy and sugary morsels.

The mood was jolly and bright and the crowd shopped and mingled.

My granddaughter Jasmin was the official photographer for the evening - however

 these are my photos, taken with my new iPhone 7Plus. . . . . . . . I'm surprised, 

and very pleased, with how they turned out in somewhat odd lighting situations.

Home for Christmas. . . . . . . . .

Old painting of Torquay inner harbour, the Pavilion and Rock Walk

Surprise! I'm going home for Christmas.
 Yes, heading back across the pond again soon. 
Having booked a mid-December cruise in Europe - it departs from and
 returns to England - just before Christmas, we decided that taking another
 week and spending the holiday in my hometown definitely made sense.
 A chance to see family and friends, and share an English Christmas, is
just too good to pass up!

We've rented a different place to stay this time.
The arrow marks the building which sits atop one of Torquay's seven hills
 with wonderful views across Tor Bay, the harbour, my childhood beaches,
 and seafront promenade walks.

Those buildings were once beautiful old private mansions, then
 small hotels, and now have been re-built or renovated into modern
 condominiums and flats. 

We'll miss being at the usual lovely places where we've stayed,
 however they are rather a distance on foot from town and the harbour district.
 Without a car the walk up and down hills to get to a grocery store, restaurants,
 and town shops, is quite a haul, especially in inclement weather which may
of course happen. . . . . .it is England after all!

Will share more about the cruise later. It will include some
new to me countries and is aboard a favorite ship.