Christmas preamble; mysterious cards; eating out

Hit the shops on Saturday morning expecting it to be hideous, but actually surprisingly non-busy. We stopped for a cup of something at the cafe in John Lewis and, instead of being queues out of the door as one would expect, there were actually plenty of free tables. Sign of the recession, or just of everyone cosied up at home ordering things off Amazon?

Went round to Ruth’s friend Katia’s on Sunday afternoon for drinks and nibbles. Katia’s boyfriend Nathan was apparently responsible for the nibbles and had gone all out to impress, even baking his own bread. Chatted politely for a few hours before making my excuses and heading home to wrap some gifts, leaving Ruth to stagger home some hours later.

Surprised to return home from work on Monday to a hand-delivered Christmas card signed from Susannah, Tony, Sparkle, Zula and Pippa. Not the faintest idea who they are, but I assume Susannah must be one of two women living at houses further along the same terrace who have both introduced themselves to me, while I have obviously then promptly forgotten their names. Must pay more attention to neighbours.

Progress South Central lunch at Blandford's

Very fine day off today, starting with meeting Ray for a pre-Christmas breakfast at Julia’s Meadow. The picture is of him trying to peel the ‘3 for 2’ label off the gift bag I had put his presents in. Class – really should notice these things. Spent the morning doing the remainder of my Christmas shopping, including a few essential purchases for myself such as a new hair straightener - an entirely reasonable purchase, as my sturdy BaByliss Convertible is about 20 years old and probably in danger of setting fire to my head. Then headed up to campus to meet a number of former Progress South Central colleagues for Christmas lunch at Blandford’s. In the evening, met Helen, Sarah and Lesley for a cosy pre-Christmas dinner out – as everywhere in the Oracle was packed, we ended up at the Royal Tandoori on Duke Street – never been there before but pretty nice.

Have discovered that having bedroom walls re-plastered during winter is perhaps not the best idea, as the plaster takes a while to dry during which time cold dampness seeps into every corner of the bedroom and, more particularly, bed. As Ruth's new friend, Handyman Paul¹, removed the radiators from the bedroom walls prior to the plastering work, we have no heating in the bedrooms which, obviously, enhances the whole effect. Have been using the time to reflect positively on the luxurious home comforts to which we become all too readily accustomed.<sup>2

1</sup>   'Handyman' is a courtesy title.  
²   A lie.