In the bleak midwinter, frosty Crepes may moan

[Collymollypuff]

Earth stood hard as iron, my heart like a stone.

I made it through the two days, but not sure we will do that again...we did Borough Market, Greenwich (saw our old house!), skating, South Bank, pizza supper, National Portrait Gallery for Taylor Wessig, M&M world, Hamleys and Camden Market!

Bit tired now, dd1 crabby every time we spent any money I can't believe you're buying her a bandana for £3 , ds just tired and a bit sulky and dd2 high as a kite on M&M's....

Will catch up and post once I'm home with large glass of white! Well done NU on getting home and good luck with your recovery. Well done on getting 'patched up' by a nice doctor, Cocoa...

I have yet to receive a SS, so am now hoping I'm Stropps's recipient and in line for a double gift!

Thanks for games suggestions, crepes. I think my hosts had those face mat things last year (what with being metropolitan elite, and everything), so may have to fall back on old favourites. I looked at White Elephant, Crem, but became addled and couldn't begin to understand it.

Talking of which, I wish Arrangements would stop moving about everywhere. Tonight: rehearsal for concert tomorrow, but I couldn't go as DP out with his old boss. Fine. I scheduled in time for xmas present shopping, card-writing, arse-sitting and prep for a meeting in the morning.

Boss cancelled, so I could do rehearsal, but have filled evening with xmas and meeting prep.

DP asked if I could do xmas shopping with him tomorrow, but couldn't as meeting.

Now meeting cancelled, so I could do a) rehearsal and b) xmas shopping tomorrow. But I want to stay in and watch Masterchef.

I am grimly meeting deadlines...

Snap Herbs re SS

Outing sounds good Beachy

Wishing I could just go and hibernate somewhere till the NY comes in the hopes that things will have picked up here. Or for a Christmas miracle.

Oh BTM . I hope you get a turning of a corner at the very least.

Don't know what I was thinking saying I might be able to come on Thursday!

Are you snowed under Lalsy?

Oh BTM. I'm so sorry. I can't begin to imagine how you all will get through Christmas. One hour at a time. You are doing all you can. Please stay in your room as often as possible. I find if I disappear, no one really notices. I do know you have to be 'on it ' at regular intervals. I'm so sorry.
Everybody, one hour at a time. !!
Herbs that's so infuriating. Id be hopping mad. Shopping every time though.
Dh has taken off tomorrow and Thursday. Rocket seems to have worked so that's my Xmas gift no doubt.
Dd on plane, so we are on a countdown.

Fingers crossed, Crem.

Not yet, BTM - seems to be a bit of a lack o the white stuff as well.

How about bunko Herbs?

In continuation of this year being shit, I got a card from a friend who is a few years older than me. Her daughter, who is 29, and has a 2 year old child, has just been diagnosed with terminal cancer. She has months, at most. Fuck. I have no words. There is nothing I can say.

Mrs S - that's awful .

Oh good god, Mrs S. Just...

MrsS :(
Here a friend is dealing with her mother probably on the way out (long term cancer) and having to put her hound down on Thursday. As you can imagine this is pushing a lot of buttons......

I want a warm cave with wine please...

Yes, one of my lovely friends who has been an absolute ROCK with my mum is going to need me to do the same for her in the next few months.

It is all shit, isn't it? DD2 and I are finally decorating the tree...

And now Mexico. 2016 is really awful.

Am off for a Solstice Ladyjog.

Morning all!

So much sadness on the thread at the moment. Huge hugs for everyone who has had bad news or is struggling.

Cocoa, glad you arrived safely but bad luck on the suitcase. Any further word?

Bd, how are you feeling this morning? Have you finished work yet? So sorry to read about your friend and her mum. And the poor dog . Very resonant on so many counts. Take it easy xx

MI, how many sleeps til your trip - 5?

Crem, hope work not too shabby.

BTM, how are you doing? And how is ds today?

We had a service yesterday to inter my dad's ashes at the churchyard near their house. Nearly didn't get there because of train strikes but I just managed it and it was beautiful if very sad. Now off to work. I have to write an exam before I can leave. I think it will be an easy one

I felt so chipper earlier in the week but have lost it somewhat. I hope my festive mojo will return.

Back later. Love to you all.

PS many thanks indeed for my secret Santa which is on the dresser as no one has done the tree yet. I posted mine on Monday so I hope it has arrived safely

Hi MC . This is my last day (tomorrow everyone finishes). I am having a 'move it off my desk onto someone else's' day as this will giving me breathing space on my return. I also need to firmly quash the latest bonkers idea.
I am seeing a friend tonight then down to London Thursday. Have left dp with the festive food shopping (this is normal - he usually does it).,,,

Oh and dp has booed flights to Namibia for Easter.......

Cremo hope your day is okay!

Booked...

Monty - so glad you made it to your Dad's service inspite of wonky trains. It seems entirely normal to feel low. I wish you a peaceful and beautiful Christmas.

BD - flights to Namibia? - sounds amazing.

I am going to start food shopping today. DS has gone to Disney with his girlfriend "who is a girl who is a friend".

Crem - hope DD arrives safe and sound.

Wow, Namibia!

I foresee I will be bashing deadlines till close of play Friday, with pauses for D&S and to get my toenails/brows done (haircut and lash tint scheduled for Sat. I do want to look on decent form when I get there, what with having Issues around my looks and the fact everyone always compares me unfavourably to my mother).