Well, I had Christmas off and boxing day, three days back at work, then New Year's eve and new year's day. Now, one and a half weeks later it feels like the festive season was months ago! It was a great, lovely time.
Alex is working in coventry at last, but not, unfortunately, driving to work each day as we'd hoped. He takes his test in the next 6 weeks again, fingers crossed it is all ok. Christmas was a great chance for us to catch up with friends - Kate, Dave and Milly especially (in the photo)

Dave and Milly came back from Bristol for Christmas, and the five of us had a great night in Patrick Kavanagh's in Moseley. Kate got engaged not so long ago and so three days later we had her and her new fiancee John over for a slap up dinner, which was great. Then Milly and partner Rob joined us for a drink.
Hopefully we'll return a visit to see them in Bristol again this year.

New Year's eve was spent with Nathan Laura and Emma, our adopted family.
Laura cooked a smashing 3 course meal, and Emma entertained us for hours. Then the three of us played Trivial Pursuit and drank champagne, with a brief break for 12 o'clock, until 3am! Me and Alex tottered home, the game still half-played (how that game took us 5 hours I don't know!)





07 Resolutions:
Exercise more
Organise wedding
Get paid more

Thoughts for the new year:
When you put money in a busker's guitar case, look him in the eye and smile. You'll probably make their day!
When walking towards a stranger don't look away, try and catch their eye and maybe give them a smile. Older people are often so shocked that they frown or ignore you, but anyone under the age of 60 is often friendly. The world seems a lot friendlier once you do this!



Since Al went back to work, poor Pads has had a bit of cabin fever. In return for leaving her in the daytime she's taken to finding a basket of nice clean ironing and making herself comfy.
OK Pads, we're even now!