Weather has improved slightly here, now just constantly grey and freezing but not as cold as your weather fortunately. I am a bit of a hothouse flower and next year I plan to be in the sun for Christmas!

I admit that I now send ecards: emails with a special Christmas picture. No, not of me and husband and cat — usually Beeston, the intrepid exploring bear that you met when we had coffee.

I’d attach this year’s here but I’m not sure how to do it!

Sorry about the weather: here it’s just cold — really cold. Frankly I’ll take the -50 C. (including windchill) over howling gales and torrential rain at almost freezing temperatures. I lived in a Maritime climate once (two years in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada) and have never been so bone-chillingly cold in my entire life!

Wishing you a very happy Christmas and no grandchildren too soon. (I think you would make a smashing granny!)

Cheers :}

I’ve been trying to think of a plausible reason for not sending cards but failed (and sad to say I do like receiving them!) The Royal Mail was threatening to go on strike and I cheered but they have settled the dispute so having no excuse, I finally caved in and bought some yesterday. Just have to write them now…..