Busy, busy, busy. Last week in work we did the interviews for and appointed our Smoking Related Litter Officer position, in advance of the ban next April. Very enjoyable and interesting process with some fantastic candidates making it difficult to choose. However, we did and he is an excellent candidate and should do a really good job. Interviews very tiring and draining, followed by marathon session on Friday afternoon of selection - grading all candidates, and then phoning all unsuccessful ones as I didn't want them having to wait all weekend before finding out. Finally shot off to the station to collect fave auntie at 4 who had come up for a weekend of fun and frivolity.

Saturday was our annual craft fest at the big Creative Stitches and Papercraft Exhibition. It would be fair to say we shopped till we dropped! Bought many many wonderful things, and to our great delight saw Alan and Barry, formerly of Create and Craft TV. Even had a signed photo, much to my excitement, and husband's bewilderment. Staggered home, exhausted. Sunday fun at Ikea bouncing on sofas as H is considering buying Ektorp. After a satisfyingly prolonged bounce, Ektorp was pronounced suitable. Also looked at lots of lovely other things there. Home for quick lunch then it was time to take H to station for her train home. Tried to see Borat on Sunday evening but it was completely chaotic so went on Monday instead. So funny that I laughed all the way through and emerged aching after it had finished. If you haven't seen it, I recommend it.

Tuesday night joined by the His Imperial Majesty Tsar Kevinovich - litter tsar of Plymouth who was visiting our city for a WRAP training course. He came over and we cooked a meal, drank too much and enjoyed catching up with all the news. Fantastic. Cooked honey and ginger chicken with a mango and chilli salsa, plus roasted sweet potatoes and broccoli, followed by a selection of cheeses. Yum. Just wish the evening could have been longer as it seemed the conversation was just getting going when it was time for him to go back to his hotel. Hopefully, he and Melinda will come and stay for a weekend soon.

Yesterday took day off for day of Christmas shopping with H, who came up again on the train. Very enjoyable and exciting day, with a successful trip to Lakeland to purchase two kitchen timers and a pastry brush. Saw lots of our city centre teams around. Had lunch at Starbucks and we had the cutest barista, who treated us to red sprinkles on our drinks, whoopee...... Bought myself a new pair of suede casual boots, and a casual western style shirt, prompting husband to ask on my return home if I was going line dancing. Humph.

Spent the afternoon today at our Highways depot, attending our monthly BIM for senior managers. Nothing wildly exciting on the agenda, but meeting deafened by howling gale and thundering rain - really quite awesome. Drove home with roads all flooded, heavy spray - glad to get home safely. Baffled completely by seeing (just) several cyclists with NO LIGHTS and DARK CLOTHING - do they want to be killed? I just don't understand.