A family pre Christmas gathering.

First of all I would like to show that the sun does shine here in the winter, and it actually warmed the conservatory up yesterday.

 Setting the scene.  Christmas presents all ready to open last night.  And our minimalist Christmas tree glowing brightly. No mess, no baubles.  Just spread out the twiggy branches and turn on the switch.  My sort of tree.

 Then the family arrived,  Donna, Patrick and Lucy, and Emma, Steve, Jackson and Isabel.   And the dogs.   Yes plural.  Not just Poppy, but also the new additions, Jezzie and Bobbie.    Two Chinese Crested dogs, eight years old and sisters.  They now belong to the Palmer family.

Poppy took it quite well, really.  After sniffing them, she realised they were not going to play with her, so she retreated onto the couch and took up her rightful position between Patrick and Donna.

This is Jezzie, the fatter and quieter of the two.

Emma holding Bobbie, who is the thinner of the two, and very assertive.  She kept an eye on Poppy all the time.   And the few times Poppy got down from the couch she made a run at her.   Poppy would then quickly jump back onto the couch again.  She is such a softie.

Poppy believes she is a lap dog, and is happily stretched out, in Patrick's arms.  

 A typical Poppy pose.  We made sure she was not baring all in this photo.  Poppy has no modesty.

 Now where is Poppy?  She would not like this.  Definitely not.  I think that Jezzie took advantage of Poppy's toilet break in the back garden, in order to hop on the couch with Patrick.

 Jezzie getting some attention from Steve.   We all agreed that Jezzie and Bobbie need some urgent care from the dog grooming salon.

Isabel talking to Bobbie, who appears to be listening, or keeping an eye on Poppy.

 Two exhausted dogs, and smiles from Jackson, Isabel and Emma.  They had collected Jezzie and Bobbie from Battersea Dogs Home that morning, so a long day for all, and new experiences for the dogs.

As well as watching dog antics, we also had time to eat a three course dinner, and open all our presents.  A really lovely family get together.