Visiting friends - Just like the movies

Saturday marked the start of the real lead up to Christmas for me as I went over to Notts to visit with Brian and exchange gifts.

I arrived in Notts about 1pm and had a wander around the Victoria centre. Well tried to as it was packed with people rushing around as if it were Christmas eve. I went into WHSmiths to get myself a drink and I must have turned invisible as I stood in the queue about 3 people just pushed right in front of me as if I didn't exist.

I stood and watched a few people have a go on the Guitar hero demo that was set up in the middle of the centre and also got waved at by a giant smoothie cup and then went to the lift to go up to Bri's apartment.

When I arrived Bri already had guests that were taking a breather before continuing their own Christmas shopping. I chatted with them a while before they left. I have now met 2 of Bri's work colleagues and what stands out to me most is how highly he is thought of by everyone. This is a great testament to what a great person he is. You cannot help but like him :)
After his friends left we opened up the Pringles and sat chatting.
As always the time passed so quickly and more visitors arrived. Brian's friend Joolz popped up in the middle of her shopping trip and then Tim (Our old mate from the AA) arrived with his partner Al as they had just been to see a pantomime in the city.

We all had coffee and were chatting about Christmas and other things. Before you knew it though is was approaching 6pm. I had to think about leaving so that Bri could get his tea before X-factor started. (I see Leon won heyhey)

The bus was a little late so it was nearing 8pm by the time we arrived in Derby. I then had to wrap myself up and face the long cold walk home.

Just wanted to add that Brian's Tree is absolutely Gorgeous. I don't know how he does it but it is way better than mine and looks just like a tree in a store...