It's Christmas Eve!! We are all excited and hope you are too. Andrew went to work this morning, so I got busy doing lots of last minute cleaning and tidying, so the bungalow looks nice (well, as good as it ever will, with the hideous decor). Listened to lots of cheesy Christmas music as I worked. Andrew came home lunchtime, and went for a run. He did an experiment by taking Andy with him for the first two miles, slinging him back in the house before continuing on his way. Andy was panting when he returned, but seemed very happy. Appears to be a successful experiment. Listened to 9 lessons and carols from Kings on the radio, and the turkey is now cooking happily, smelling wonderful. When we last went down to Cardiff, I cut huge bunches of fresh herbs from the garden, and have stored them in the fridge. Some of the rosemary and sage has gone in the bird.

Now I'm drinking a glass of gin, and will be having a few nibbles in a bit, followed by some linguine with lobster. We will be following tradition and watching Muppet Christmas Carol (and singing along, badly) later on, with a glass of champagne. So, wherever you are and however many greyhounds you are blessed with, may you and your loved ones have a happy, peaceful Christmas, filled with joy. I'd also like to thank all those readers who have taken the trouble to pass on their Christmas wishes - it's appreciated very much.

Now the difficulty will be tonight - somehow it's impossible to get to sleep on Christmas Eve.