Last year I was soooooo excited in the lead up to Christmas that I would get to fulfil a dream – to walk on Crantock beach on Christmas Day.

In the event, we were unable to satisfy that desire because we had no car all over Christmas as ours had broken down and the Lurker wasn’t here then. We ended up walking on the moor and having a fabulous time in the snow even though we didn’t get to do what we’d set our hearts on.

This year, we decided that ‘hell or high water’ that was where we were going to go today.

We got up to the most fabulous blue sky, unbroken sunshine and, after a slow start with tea and pressies in bed, an impromptu party in our back alley with our neighbours, with the bucks fizz flowing. What a good start to the day!

It progressed a pace with more bucks fizz with our brunch guests, Santa 1 and Santa 2. DM and I both were very conscious of not drinking and driving because we had somewhere to go so both of us left ours……nonetheless, it was a really nice meal.

Eventually we got on the empty road and hurtled to the beach at some speed – David couldn’t resist the charm of the empty roads!!! There followed an hour and a half of sheer bliss – I got my wish, albeit a year later than I’d hoped for. Crantock beach, two wonderful dogs, DM, a couple of surfers and a few other escapees from the Queen’s Speech!!! Utterly perfect, no doubts.

Now, our Christmas dinner is almost ready, there is a good film on the telly and we’re all pooped and happy.

Last year's snow on the moor was my subject...the only time I can ever remember a white Christmas. The year before, I was revelling in love!