Heading into Winter

It seems I'm reminded every single day that Christmas is fast approaching. With teacher training days, autumnal illnesses and school half terms, we rarely seem to have a child free house or indeed a moment's peace and quiet. I'm very happy to report my personal shopper is doing a great job of getting everything ready for the festive event, so I suppose I shouldn't complain too much(!).

We're contenting ourselves with planning holidays for the next year. First will be another boys' trip high up into the French Alps. The star-studded guest list has the boy and I very excited, it will be good to catch up with all the foreigners (yes, even the one from Basingstoke). After that will come a two family trip to sunnier climes in Cyprus at the far end of the Mediterranean. The only depressing part of this is the £/€ exchange rate at the moment, fingers crossed that will bounce back a little before we travel.

Work for me is quite fun at the moment. I've just about got back into the routine of 9 to 5 and of going to bed at a reasonable hour. My journey to the office involves a 50 mile trip across the Pennines and Peak District. This trip can be very pretty, especially some of the sunrises and sunsets, but can also be pretty hairy with the heavily loaded quarry lorries and other locals / lunatics who choose to drive without lights in all but the pitch dark. The weather can be pretty spectacular too, so much so I've invested in chains and socks just to make sure I am able to make it home every night. I've not needed them - yet.

Belle's integration into family life has continued, pretty much to plan. She now knows her place in the pecking order and is generally a good deal more relaxed for that. The back garden still looks like we regularly host speedway races with an oval muddy track cut from corner to corner. We're having some fun and games walking her at the moment as, at just over eight months, she's currently "enjoying" her first season. This will also prove to be her last as she will be visiting the veterinarians in the New Year for a jolly good dose of spaying.

Other than that, not so much news at this end. How about you?