General chatter.

Ooh, sorry. How long ago was it that I wrote to you all? Truth be told, I wouldn't even be here now, I'd be sitting knitting, but my men are watching the Sun Military awards. I managed about 20 minutes of this, but was crying so much I had to come away. As soon as they got to honouring Wooton Bassett, I knew that was that. No more tears, I can bear this programme no more.

I have always held all Military Personnel in very high esteem. Quite apart from the uniforms (be still my beating heart!), I have always been in awe of their dedication and bravery. Many years ago, Mr Stressy - a soldier at the time - declared that he was disappointed not to be heading off to war in Iraq, that he felt a party was going on to which he wasn't invited. He had trained for war for much of his life and was to stay in this country. To my simplistic mind, this was insane. And my God, was I glad he didn't go.

The fiance of a friend of mine is serving in Afghanistan as we speak - he comes home tomorrow for a 2 week break, then heads back to finish his 7 month tour of duty. My heart goes out to him and everyone out there. Come home safely one and all.

But enough of this, it's nearly Christmas, time to be happy.

It is snowing again. If it carries on snowing, we shall be looking forward to Christmas dinner without the turkey. I'm not going out in this weather.

But I'm a bit stuck anyway - our car broke down nearly 3 weeks ago and went to the garage for repairs. Sadly the engine has to come out, pistons need replacing and the whole thing sounds scarily expensive. I am trying not to think about it! (But in the meantime, I wish they would lend me a courtesy car.)

Oh bugger. I'm doing it again aren't I? Come on woman, cheer up.

Tell you what, let me show you something exciting.


Having seen the fabulous Advent garland over at Attic 24, I just knew that I had to learn to crochet. So a lunch was arranged, cake was promised and Picperfic and blogless Cybil came over to teach me. And look what I made! Me! I can crochet! I tell you everyone, I am so proud of my little stars. But now that I have a few, I've decided that I really only want them in Christmassy colours - reds, greens and whites. So the pinky ones will just have to be used elsewhere.

I'm still plodding on with the i-cord bath mat. Barely 3 days to go, so I seem to be sewing up at every available opportunity. But Mr Stressy is here now and I don't want him to see it. I am determined to get it done - it's much bigger than when I last showed you. Maybe next time it will be finished.

Dare I mention the diets? I managed by some miracle to lose 1.5lbs last week. Due to large quantities of mince pies, I do not expect the same result this week. Oh, yes and I made a new pudding tonight - chocolate Christmas Pudding was its title. Amongst the ingredients were plain chocolate, breadcrumbs, milk chocolate, cream, butter, white chocolate, cocoa and flour. All the things which Slimming World frowns upon. But I tell you now people, it was worth every single ounce of weight that will go on the hips. It was delicious. It was so delicious in fact that I never even got round to taking its photo. I was too busy ramming it down my throat!

Until next time - I promise a pre-Christmas update - take care and keep warm.

xx