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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Christmas and New Year</strong></h3>
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<p>My stay in the Lake District made a delightful change from being at home Christmas.</p>
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<p>Gary and Caroline were superb hosts and despite the typical, grey, wet and windy weather we had a great time.</p>
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<p>I came home a couple of kilograms heavier and after a couple of weeks I'm still struggling to get back to my fighting weight.</p>
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<p>On the day I returned home I was joined by Helene. We ate healthily and this was probably the first time I'd eaten mackerel. It was a very good meal consisting of carrots, salad leaves, air fried potato wedges, beetroot,  and of course mackerel.</p>
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<p>After a very late New Year's Eve we headed to the coast in the Porsche with the roof down. It was only 8 degrees but the car heater and sunshine made up for any cold we might have felt.</p>
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<p>After a good walk along the beach and back we had a late lunch in a small cafe in Sutton on Sea.</p>
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<p>It is becoming an <a href="https://pigyard.com/wordpress/archives/7623">annual event</a> when we meet up with Helene's close friends at Burghley House, Stamford.</p>
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<p>It was quite cold but after walking for an hour plus we retired to the William Cecil Hotel &amp; Restaurant for lunch. Sunday lunch was excellent.</p>
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<p>Threading through the festival period I was having problems with my gas meter. On the Friday I was going to drive up to the Lakes I discovered my boiler wasn't firing up. At first I thought it was a boiler problem but after a light bulb moment I tried the gas hob and that wasn't working either. After several phone calls to my energy supplier and the gas network I arranged for my smart gas meter to be replaced and this was done within 4 hours. The battery in the meter had run flat. Since then the meter hasn't been sending its readings to the energy supplier. I'm having a daily dialogue with them to get this fixed but it's a bit like wading through treacle.</p>
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<p>Don't forget to take a look at <a href="https://pigyard.com/wordpress/december-2023">December's photo selection...</a> if you haven't already.</p>
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