A Nice Night in - I must be getting old

It's Christmas Day and quite early too but how can you sleep with all of those presents downstairs.The festive celebrations kicked off properly last night though with our friends. Met up for an early drink in the local pub when it wasn't too crowded and then back to Janet and Andy's for a few more drinks, some great food and (at times) some deep and meaningful converstation, or at least as serious as you can get after around 5-6 pints. At least it didn't degenerate into what's happening in the latest soaps or something like that. Still managed to get home at a respectible time ( I think around 11.00 pm) for an oldie.

A few plans were hatched for the New Year including a "cultural" tour of southern Ireland and the Black Country Experience 2 but closer to the present we have to fit in part of the Mendip Way and a Curry - but not at the same time - before Carol is back at work later this week.

That's what it seems to be about (for me at least) nowadays is a combination of good days out coupled with sensible nights out without an excess of either - err, better stop now i'm beginning to scare myself a little...

One Week to Xmas

The only time I seem to have to write a blog these days is when I am away from home. As I type the train is just pulling out of Paddington station and I'm on my way home after a long day in London.

Last weekend was the trip to the Midlands to deliver the pressies and see the outlaws. That means form now on it will be a Relative-ly free Xmas (get it?) which is great as far as Carol and I are concerned. Work has been manic lately as everyone wants to get their bit of work done before the holidays - but for what purpose exactly?

On the social side things are beginning to liven up a little. I have the office Xmas meal on Friday and then a selection of nights out , nights in and generally just indulging in all of the nice things that you buy at Xmas that you don't normally enjoy the remainder of the year.

In January 2007 it will be 2 years since I started the blog and it is interesting to look back (well for me anyway) at some of the postings I have made since then. The New Year usually means resolutions so I need to get thinking before the next blog entry. It's been quite a good year all in all and the boat has provided me with the opportunity to get out in the fresh Somerset air a little more often. The Winter means that I have to do a bit of housekeeping on the boat touching up the scratches etc.

The holiday period will also be puncuated by exercise, with some serious dog walking and visits to the Gym. Santa is due to arrive shortly and I know what some of the presents will be and hope what others might be! I suppose I will have to wait and see though.

The New Year should also see the purchase of a new TV for the bedroom and I have my eye on a nice Sony model at the moment. There will be some installation work required to mount the TV on the wall too so that's best tackled whilst I'm at home.

There may also be time to do a little research into our holiday for next year as this is usually the time of year when things start to happen on that front.

Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to (all) my Reader....