Monday

 Morning, everyone.  Having just been out to the shed, I can confirm that it is really mild, cloudy and dry (for now, anyway).  Yesterday was pretty yuck with rain or drizzle on and off most of the day.  I know that up north they've had some snow but we didn't even get within sniffing distance of any here.

Yesterday ended up a bit of a disappointment.   Dave turned up at about three and then I got a message from Beth that she and Alex are both feeling yucky and achey - not Covid, they both test regularly but Beth thinks it is a slightly delayed reaction to the booster.  It was the same for the first two jabs.
Dave and I played some games and then Dave decided he'd go home and watch the cricket (not my thing at all).
So - fingers crossed for today instead.  We exchanged a few messages earlier and she says she's feeling OK.  However, I have urged her not to push it but to stay home if there's any doubt.  It's her holiday this week and I don't want her to knock herself back trying to do unnecessary stuff.

I had a pleasant evening catching up on programmes recorded over the last week such as the Strictly Special and the programme about the Kanneh-Mason family's Christmas.  I may also have 'caught up' with a few dregs of liquid in a few bottles too, not to mention a few random bits and bobs in the fridge!  Ooops!

This blog may end up a bit random too but never mind.

Now that all the gifts have gone, I have re-cluttered up under (beside) the tree with my Twelve Days of Christmas, an unashamedly exercise in post-festive self indulgence.

Today's gift is in front of the basket and I can't remember what it is - which was the whole idea when I put it all together well before Christmas.

This was yesterday's - and I peeked inside it but didn't actually start reading as I'm in the middle of a Miss Read Thrush Green book and want to finish that first.

It will be all the better for a pleasure deferred, I am sure.

Nothing to do with the Twelve Days, but I'm loving these slipper socks.  I treated myself to them when I did the early morning Last Shop before Christmas.
They are soft and snuggly and anti-slip and, if I need to go out to the shed, my slippers fit on over them.  What more could one ask?

I know it might sound daft, but I have been pondering things and thinking about next Christmas - and before you say anything, it's just that I'm not even going to plan a big buffet on Christmas Day.  I did it because that's what Mum always did so it was sort of expected but you know what - the cheese platter and a few mince pies were as nice as anything, dead easy for me and there for the whole of the evening for picking at.  So no cheese course for Christmas dinner but a platter out later on.  I've written it in next year's diary (on 1-12-22) so I don't forget.

The other ponder is that the micro managing December timetable worked REALLY well and there was no last minute pressure at all.  That's definitely staying for next time!

Today starts with an online Festive Blast with Lindsey and a number of others who have signed up  The last thing I feel like doing is half an hour of aerobic type stuff which probably means I need it very much.  There's a session each morning this week, Monday to Friday.  I will stay in my bed things until just before, get into my work out gear, do the half hour and then have my bath and get dressed.  A nice, regular start to each day.

Then I want to sort out the fridge and also sort out my recipes.  I have sheets all over the place that need to be sorted and filed away for next year and I want to get out recipes that I will want to use through January.  After all, I will have turkey leftovers next week!

Finally, I would like to finish my current book and start my Twelve Days book.

All that before about three when, fingers crossed, the family (minus Anna) is here again for buffet and games (but minimal alcohol as both will be driving).

Have a great day, everyone.  It's a Bank Holiday so I hope everyone is able to take things easy and enjoy the day.    Stay safe and well.  xx