A comment I made on one of my Facebook posts ten years ago was “if onward doesn’t go with upward, it doesn’t go anywhere good”. I’m not usually outwardly downbeat, it isn’t a good idea to dwell on the downside, although it’s all right to acknowledge it – preferably mostly to myself. There’s quite a lot to be said for the traditional stiff upper lip.

Not that such a facial paralysis was required today. It’s all been lovely. We went to Weeza and family, as did Ro and we chatted, played games, ate – we started eating at noon and finished around seven, but that doesn’t imply stuffing ourselves all day, but a relaxed hour or two between courses.

Getting ready to leave, just before 10am, I was ambushed by the outside cats, who were determined to escort me to give them breakfast. I knew perfectly well that they’d already had breakfast, but also knew that we’d be late home. I gave the chickens some veggie trimmings and some mealworms and fed the cats, who were triumphant that they’d tricked me. Home at 9 this evening, they’d given up waiting, but saw the lights of the car and arrived at the door – I’ve never been a cat person until the last ten years and I’m not quite sure what happened. But they’d have had an uncertain life without me and, unneutered, might not have survived this long.

Wink and I haven’t exchanged presents yet, except for the medlar tree that was planted a couple of weeks ago. We were later home than we expected, so decided this could wait for tomorrow. She’s also got champagne in her fridge, so I expect it’ll be around noon. I’ve got some smoked trout and she’s got smoked mackerel, we’ve got the makings of salads between us, so I think lunch is sorted. I’ve got a new book (Christmas is never entirely right without a new book), so my afternoon is planned too.

I hope you’ve had as good a day as I have.