Day 360. One wafer thin mint.

After gorging ourselves on rib of beef and chocolate bread and butter pudding for lunch we really don't need anything else to eat. But it's Christmas. Well Boxing Day. So life must revolve around food, drink and general indulgence.

Just one sliver of pie and a small slice of ham? Go on then. And a bit of cheese. Perhaps another glass of wine. And a few crisps.

One wafer thin mint Family Creosote?

Boom!

Day 298. No more boxes.

We unpacked the last few boxes today, finally clearing the spare room ready for guests. Yes, the wallpaper is retro, ok dated. Yes, the furniture a bit sparse and the curtains a fraction to narrow to cover the window. However the bed is comfortable and the house is warm. And we have wine; lots of it.

One day the house will be beautiful but until then we'll keep the cellar well stocked.

Day 147. Busy doing nothing.

Not totally but at least I'm not working. I have done the usual washing, ironing and cooking but I've also sat in the garden and read a bit of my book. I've drunk wine before 7pm and indulged in several episodes of The West Wing as I prepared uniforms and work clothes ready for next week.

As bank holidays go, it's been a pretty good one.

Day 102. I've been expecting you.

It's hard to believe that I am only now getting round to watching Skyfall but there it is. As Stromberg said to Bond in The Spy Who Loved Me: "Good evening Mrs H, we've been expecting you." Well, clearly he said Mr Bond but you get the picture.

It may have taken longer than anticipated but the moment has finally arrived.

Wine? Check. Sea salt chocolate? Check. Already been told what happens to M? Check. By a 10 year old? Check.

Let's do this.