We've bah humbugged for years. No pressies except my nephew - he gets £50 towards a piece of kit or software for his degree course. That's his combined birthday and crismas pressie. We don't exchange pressies but we do make a list of the unnecessaries we have considered over the year. Then in the sa...

So it is safe to reply to your posts now! Your kind invitation to visit scared me silly - I might have successfully smuggled 2 or 3 out past your high security checks

They are both gorgeous.

You should, MrsB. For once I thought Abbie danced as well as she was marked. Much less skippy that usual and her 'top line' was lovely, she looked really elegant! Patrick looked lumpy as usual, but still got enormous scores! And anyone could do with a giggle, Susannah's mechanical Argentine provides...

Don't you just hate some people?

My Strictly addict friend was so annoyed at the result SHE TOLD ME THE RESULT!!!

Don't worry, I shall stay schtum.

But really! How could she? She never has before!

I may have to eat the biscuits I made for her

And on to the Swingathon this week - and no Brucie to spoil it with some very obvious jokes

Mmmmm..... who to shout BOO! at ??

I think we have been so very surprised at the freshness of fruit and veg and the quality of just about everything. Now we have them, and know exactly which one to avoid, I can see them becoming our shop of choice. Many thanks to those here who have posted about them over the last couple of years. I ...

I still don't get Patrick, flat footed, stiff middled. Abbie - what was that score all about? I know she is fun and the dance was all our yesterday's, but really? Still love Natalie and Sophie, warmed to Natalie a bit more as she was obviously nervous about the lifts and Sophie looked in her element...

Wow! That is so very, very impressive.

I too may steal that idea!

Sherlock's not dead!

Yay!!!!!

I have just dug mine out again, Richard. It makes a difference if I use it regularly, 15 minutes every morning for this particular one. Have a read round, SAD.org.uk are a decent source of simple info. You can decide what kind of light you want / can afford. Read the instructions as they all have di...

We went Aldidl shopping this morning, in and out before the big car, little driver horrors started We spent a mini fortune but are now all stocked up with festive incidentals, including cheap alcohol for the frozen fruits. I shall be making cheats custard (just the advocaat) and smothering some cara...

I'm holding steady without really trying. Just need to get the urge to get back at it. I have had to buy a couple of jumpers and am really pleased that I can wear them without worrying about the muffin top too much!

Vincent needs some friends to persuade him out of that one

I like Natalie's dance but thought she was most definitely not in top gear. I assume because of the meds and she isn't fully well. I do wonder if she is grimly hanging on in there hoping it will all fix itself. Ah well... I am guessing Mark again, hoping Fiona, but maybe another shock horror, just t...

We add protein with chickpeas - or any tin of beans/pulses that is going out of date. They love butter beans.

Ours too are having mini moults and egg production is a bit hit and miss. But they seem happy enough with the occasional extras they get :)