We Were Up Early At Nick and Maureen's,

Nick had mentioned that a lizard had taken up residence in the pool pump room,

and there he was tucked up in the corner,

pretty little chap, grey with orange spots,

meanwhile a relax by the pool, Mick with coconut oil to help his tan along,

Ta-Taa to was taking in some of the early morning rays, while Nick took 40 on the water,

I just stayed in the shade,

whilst on the way out I noticed that the White Bird of Paradise tree was flowering, (also called the Giant Bird of Paradise), Strelitzia nicolai is it's proper name and is named after the Russian emperor Nicholas I,

a closer look at the 'Bird of Paradise' like flowers,

the 3 just men decide to go for a pre Boxing day lunch drink,

first stop the Mango on Soi Khaonoi, (spelt as it sounds),

view towards Sukhumvit,

there is a small covered in area at the back,

complete with a small fish pool,

then we went to Paradise, a little nearer Sukhumvit,

followed by the Flintstones,

and a little further down Noi's bar,

3 beers for 100 baht, bargain!

by now it was time to head back for our Boxing day dinner, a quick look at one of the hanging baskets, a very delicate shade of purple,

a new set of crackers and it was all systems go,

"Cheers!" once again from all of us,

the two girls, all smiles, prawn cocktails to start,

then roast pork and all of the accompaniments,

a great time was had by all!

then time for the Christmas crackers,

Mass wins this time,

then Diana and Maureen,

Mass wins a silver business card holder,

and another cracker,

bang! and Mass is lucky again,

then Nick and Maureen,

and Nick wins! by now it was getting late, so we settled down after cheese and biscuits to have a chat about Pattaya and things in general, to remember how fortunate we are that on these past two days, we are all healthy, well fed and at peace with the world, and so to bed, once again many thanks to Nick and Maureen for making all of us so welcome in your home.