Andrew is taping all the Star Trek films today which are being shown on the SCi fi channel. Our Sky box will probably explode!

A short update on the Lord Mayor question. In most UK cities that have a Lord Mayor, the correct style/title is the Worshipful which is what I was thinking of. However, for six UK cities, apparently the Queen has granted the right to use the title "The Right Honourable" - for Cardiff as the capital city of Wales, this additional honour was bestowed in 1956. So now I know. The plaques were correct.

A Merry Christmas to one and all! Nadolig Llawen.

Yesterday was quiet and peaceful, spent in domestic pursuits and a dog walk. Went to bed last night, and as in every Christmas Eve, found it very difficult to go to sleep owing to excitement. Was lying in bed thinking of the many people I have loved who are not with us at this time of the year, particularly grandparents - I still miss them very much.

Woke this morning after torrential rain in the night, so it must have been difficult for Father Christmas. Opened our stockings, watched and assisted by hounds. Then went out for a lovely walk along the Barrage, with beautiful views back across the city. Many plaques commemorating the opening and so on, all referring to the Lord Mayor of Cardiff as the Right Honourable - I did not think this honorific was appropriate for a lord mayor, so will investigate further.

Came home, put turkey in the oven, had brunch, a shower and then reconvened downstairs to open our presents. Of course I had already received a sewing machine, but there was a very exciting pile of interesting parcels. The main excitement was that Andrew and I had each unwittingly bought the other a digital photo frame, so we now have two. We have set one up, and loaded it with a fascinating variety of shots, great. The other major excitement was an envelope telling me we have tickets for Dolly's Backwoods Barbie tour in July 08 = hurrah!!!!! Also had a beautiful book on quilts by Kaffe Fassett that A bought in Liberty's - I have been glued to it. Received lots of lovely Lush goodies, the new Blade Runner 25 anniversary box set of DVDs, CSI Miami Series 2 DVD (go H - glasses on, glasses off, manly stance, hands on hips) and a fine selection of socks, lipsticks, lipgloss and eyeshadow. Hurrah!

We finally ate around 6 with a wonderful bottle of Margaux, crackers and silly hats. It was delicious. Watched Dr Who - very good with a nice performance by Kylie, the little minx. A is just about to watch Penelope Keith in TTMB - I am less sure about this - has a high cringe potential. May be proved wrong though. No problem if it's terrible, I can just sit there, look decorative and enjoy my new quilt book and a glass of something.

Once again, I wish all my readers a happy Christmas, and a new year that brings peace, good health and love. And greyhounds if you know what's good for you. I attach a couple of photos.

Andy continues to be entertaining. This morning Sarah and I were having breakfast downstairs. I was tucking into my Sultana Bran, closely watched by our faithful hound. After I finished it, I put the bowl down on the coffee table so I could drink my coffee. Andy stepped up delicately, neatly removed the spoon from the bowl, placed it on the table, drank the small amount of milk left in the bowl, deftly replaced the spoon in the bowl, let out a big sigh and lay on his sheepskin rug. Sarah and I watched speechlessly. Later, just to reassure us he wasn't turning into too domesticated a dog, he attacked several Amazon parcels that were lying on the hall table waiting to be taken upstairs and wrapped. That's more like the hound we know and love.

Sarah and I went up to Castell Coch this morning. She liked it very much. While we were there, a wedding was taking place. As is usual, the waiting groom looked terrified. When the bride arrived, she looked radiant. Both she and her bridesmaids were wearing strapless dresses, not my first choice for a day when the temperature was barely above freezing and the venue is an old castle. But she looked wonderful, and the castle made a gorgeously romantic venue. When we emerged, I expected to see some form of medieval horse and carriage, but they had a stretch limo waiting which didn't really "fit" with the castle - still, what matters is that they have a wonderful life together.

I attach some photos of Sarah taken at the castle. Took her back to the station this afternoon, to return home on the train.

Saw Beowolf last night - a puzzling film. I had read about the semi-animated nature of the film. Real actors (a good cast including Ray Winstone, Angelina Jolie and John Malkovich) were filmed against a blue background with spots attached that were then transferred to a CGI programme - rather like Andy Serkis did for Gollum in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. It did make me wonder about the point of having such a stellar cast as you find yourself curious if Angelina could possibly be so pneumatic especially with a tail. Ray Winstone also morphed into a six foot eye candy with an incised six pack who preferred to fight naked (as do we all, of course). The effect was rather strange, sort of cartoony and not helped by the cod- Danish accents adopted by some but not all of the cast. JM sounded as though he was the understudy for the Swedish chef in the Muppets while RW was pure Essex. Odd. Sarah liked it though as it had a dragon and the general CGI/battle scenes etc were fine.

Today Sarah and I ventured into town this morning for some Christmas shopping. Sarah made some purchases from Blue Banana, which was fascinating as it allowed a peep into the purchasing habits of young Goths etc... I was rather startled to see a man of my own age wearing a woolly jumper worthy of a folk singer purchasing some footwear - an odd combination of styles. I had no idea so many items of clothing could be decorated with skulls. We then ventured into a number of other emporia and Andrew eventually collected us around lunchtime. Spent a quiet afternoon pottering at home. Tonight pizza, possibly a movie if Sarah wants to, although she might prefer to be on the net with her friends. Tomorrow some culture then Sarah returns home. It's been a pleasure having her around - though I can't believe Christmas is now less than a week away.

Now that I can relax a bit more and am starting to feel more festive, I attach some photos of the trees, one small in the living room, one large in the hall, the quilted hanging I made, and some small decorations I made.

Today is the most important day of the year. This morning, we went over to the hospital for my cancer check-up. Good news, all appears well. I can't even begin to explain how this date is both feared and longed for and the weight of anticipation. Anyway, saw the Professor this morning (she's lovely, but her hands were FREEZING!),all the rest of the team, who are always so cheerful and welcoming and made my appointment for this time next year.

We took the dogs for a cold but enjoyable walk afterwards then came home. By that time, the adrenalin kickback had started and I felt so exhausted I went upstairs and had a nap.

Sarah came to stay with us yesterday and this afternoon I took her to the hair salon where she was being transformed from a blonde into a dark and gorgeous Gothic diva. They applied black hair colouring but also wove strands in of dark reds and purples - she looks stunning. Came home and had Nigella's maple chicken/ribs and am just out to the cinema to catch Beowolf. I vaguely remember this from English lessons in school, but guess they have updated it a bit. Will post a review. Later this week, St Trinians opens with Rupert Everett - definately one to see. I raise my glass to one and all - looks like I'll be around for a while yet... Hurrah!! The best Christmas present I could asked for.

The weather continues to be cold. In the garden, flocks of greenfinches have descended on to the sunflower heads and are systematically stripping the seeds. This is very encouraging, and next year we'll grow more.

Today, we took the dogs over to Cosmeston for a run and a walk - I attach some photos. Everything feels very Christmassy. The house is decorated, tree is up, cards being sent, it all feels good. Went down to Swansea this afternoon to see fave auntie and to take her shopping as she is still not driving yet after her operation. Ventured up to Tesco in Fforestfach, which is huge and was packed. Returned home and am enjoying a peaceful evening, a bottle of Pinot Grigio and a snoring greyhound on one of the sofas. Andrew is watching Gallipoli - Mel Gibson looks about 12 in it.

The weather this weekend has been truly atrocious. Yesterday we took the dogs up to the Forestry in Rudry - I had a vain hope that we might be sheltered in the trees. Not surprisingly, we were the only ones there and equally predictably we got drenched. The dogs practically towed us back to the car.

After a night of howling gales, more downpours and a spectacular thunderstorm this morning while Andrew was walking the dogs, we set off for Weston Super Mare for the 10K race on the beach. I would not have been surprised if it had been cancelled as the weather was appalling and the driving conditions were dreadful, with streams literally running across the M4 in places and terrible spray. We got there and were bent double on the promenade. My face became so numb from the cold wind that when the race was over, I could barely speak. About 1600 mad or brave souls ran - I was impressed and very proud of Andrew. Much of the race was on wet sand and half of it in the teeth of the gale so not surprisingly, not his best time. Definately one of those occasions when it was all about taking part, I think. All the competitors had to wear at least one piece of tinsel or Christmas related fancy dress. There was a wide selection of elves, reindeer, Santas, fairies, a Flintstone (still trying to understand the Christmas connection there) and the Incredibles. I attach a few photos.

OK - just how gorgeous and loveable is she? Look at her - a bundle of cute snuggliness. I'm melting.

Tonight was the last night of our quilting course. My quilt top is now completed - all sashings added. I will post a photo. Tonight I bought the wadding, and selected and paid for the backing fabric. So basting next. This will keep me out of mischief over Christmas. Marianne, our tutor (who is lovely) took photos of our completed quilt tops to put on the Busy Bees website, as examples of what beginners make. If our quilting is complete by next July, the quilts can be exhibited at Duffryn House as Busy Bees will be celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Also bought some smaller pieces of festive fabric to experiment with making some Christmas hangings. This will be a good opportunity to practice my new techniques.

Went to see Crowded House last night in Cardiff. They were absolutely wonderful. We both love their music and have done for many years. The band are not very rock starry - most of them looked like your favourite maths teacher, with blazers and rumpled ties but who cares when they play like angels? They had a little woolly (toy) sheep on the stage - a cultural cross reference between New Zealand and Wales, I guess. It was lovely to go to a non smoking gig - still a novelty. At the end, we went over to the merchandise and Andrew bought himself a Tshirt and me a coffee mug. Showing how respectable gigs have become though, the tour tshirts were prominently available also in organic unbleached cotton and there was a wide variety of childrens sizes. In my teenage years, neither would have been an issue.

CH's music has a particularly special place in my heart as we went to see them just after I had been diagnosed but before my treatment started (for cancer). It was a tough time and things looked grim. One of the things I made time for was thinking about my funeral arrangements and drawing up a shortlist of songs - one of CH's is on it and accordingly has a very special place in my affections. If I'm unprepared for it, it can sometimes be difficult hearing it as has so many associations. I once heard it play as I was walking round Ikea and it was a quite surreal moment.

Another strange experience on Monday evening. We took the dogs for a quick spin round the block in the evening, just to stretch our legs and encountered a hedgehog. The dogs were fascinated but wary and I was entranced. It ought to be hibernating I guess, but it is still quite mild considering it is December with temperatures still well above 10C most days. Would be interested to know what their threshold is for triggering hibernation.

Trying to photograph a moving greyhound is virtually impossible. Yesterday was our monthly greyhound walk at Cosmeston, so we went over there. The appalling weather (hail, sleet, rain, gales) meant that only about four or five hardy souls turned up. We set off in a dry interval and agreed to do a much truncated circuit as the park was virtually deserted and we knew the rain would not hold off for long. Down it came again as we were about half way round so we all scuttled back. Just as we got back to the car, it stopped again, so we decided to take the dogs over to the "release" field for a run. This is a source of sheer joy, for them and for us. It's impossible not to smile when you see them hurtling round at high speed. They run almost directly at you, making the smallest bend right at the last moment so it is vital you stay still and not move. This is a test of nerve. They get so close my face was splashed with the mud they were throwing up as they ran, and you can feel the moving air as they pass. I attach a couple of snaps taken on our last expedition - they are not brilliant photos, but they do try to at least convey the feeling of speed. Not surprisingly once home, not a peep, just quiet slumbering on the sofa.

The photos also illustrate the new hound collars for Christmas. They have been much admired. I am particularly pleased with Andy's as it is festive but not gaudy, being black it is quite Goth with the holographic snowflakes catching the light in most intriguing ways. Booty's is also beautiful and the deep red and gold is fantastically smart without being too "bling-y".