After the party...the leftovers

This morning we had a meeting to discuss our proposed new hedge with a representative of the City Council. We've been waiting for ages to chat to the local authority about our plans, but today we found out why. There's only one part-time tree officer for the whole of the City of Peterborough, and she mostly has to deal with street trees and has no experience of ancient woodland! Fortunately the meeting went well and we now have the go-ahead for the planting, subject to a risk assessment.

Back home to tidy round and prepare for our science group Christmas lunch. As usual I hadn't really left enough time and got more than a bit stressed out - but this did result in Ben hoovering the TV room for me - I suspect he thought this was the safest option. He also helped me make the fastest batch of sausage rolls I've ever produced!

Everyone brought food to share, and we had an amazing spread of goodies (probably not very good for the waistline though!). We were supposed to be doing some science after lunch, but somehow the Christmas spirit took over and we decided to postpone the work until the New Year. There was so much food that we were left with two large platefuls, and today's blip is of Rosie looking longingly at the sausage rolls. She is Gemma's sister - you may be able to see the family likeness. Certainly the hopeful expression is similar!