It's been a while since I posted - mainly due to being very busy with the new business.  I'm seriously considering stopping the blog as I tweet and FB as well, and find those useful for keeping in touch with people.  The only things that are making me dither are that the blog allows a longer, more discursive format, and a variety of photos.  I can be a bit more "specialised" - FB posts and tweets tend to be a bit more general.  Also, the blog has been going a long time - part of me feels it would be a shame to let it go.  It's gone through various evolutions and changes but then my life has changed enormously since it started, and it forms a useful reflection of that.  

I'd welcome comments and thoughts - both on my own blog specifically but also on the wider value of blogs generally.  I find blogs can be enormously useful, interesting and in some cases have led me to make friends with people on different continents, a wonderful bonus and a fascinating glimpse into other cultures.  

We're having a wonderful Christmas so far.  On Christmas Eve we popped down to Swansea to see Hilary and exchanged gifts.  Hil had also made some of her rightly famous mince pies (home made mincemeat too).  Came back home and had our annual ritual of watching Muppet Christmas Carol while eating a seafood feast.  We started with scallops and samphire, then some garlic prawns.  This was followed by blini which Andrew had made with buckwheat flour and topped with fresh crab and fish roe, with sour cream and herbs.  Delicious, and washed down with a gorgeous bottle of prosecco, thanks to a festive delivery from Dr. Laithwaites.  While we were eating, the turkey was cooking (another Christmas Eve custom) and the house was filled with delicious smells.  We loved watching the film and sung along loudly and tunelessly in all the right places.  Eventually, it was time for bed - four happy sleepy hounds and two happy excited humans.  

In the morning, Father Christmas had visited and left filled stockings for Andrew and me.  We had coffee in bed, then opened them, watched eagerly by the hounds.  Sara loved playing with the discarded wrapping paper.  Although the weather was wet (for a change!) we went out for a walk.  We headed up the A470 to Garwnant and headed up into the forestry above the Llwynonn reservoir.  It was beautiful, though muddy and we saw a rainbow and lots of birds.  Came home, fed the dogs and had some scrambled eggs.  Peaceful afternoon - did some kitchen prep then opened presents while the tree sparkled warmly.  Eventually had dinner around 6 - roast turkey with cranberry sauce, home made stuffing, roast potatoes, parsnips, sprouts and carrots.  Pulled crackers, toasted and enjoyed, with a bottle of Italian white.  Afterwards we watched Doctor Who (a huge improvement on last year, and much better), then a bit later Downton.  Unfortunately both Andrew and I burst into peals of laughter at the end - not perhaps the reaction wanted but it was a bit ludicrous.  

Today has been another peaceful day - a muddy paddle with the dogs followed by a turkey sandwich and a day of gently pottering.  

I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all my blog readers a very happy Christmas and a new year filled with peace, health and happiness.