Nearly a week since I last wrote here, I don't know where the days go. At the moment I'm busy preparing to go on holiday. It's the first one for a few years so well needed. We are going to Benidorm, which was not my choice, I haven't been there before but am fearing it's Blackpool like image (Sorry Blackpuddlians but I'm not a fan of your town)Anyway, it's Fiesta week, so I'm hoping that will provide some Spanish authenticity. Needless to say, whilst I'm away cobwebs will be forming around my blog as it is unlikely that I will check in.

Back to daily life, I went into town yesterday and noticed that the shops have taken up the Christmas festive theme already. Halloween was also evident and providing a boost in sales for fancy dress outfits. This event seems to be much more widely participated in these days by both children and adults.

As yet I have no idea what sort of family gathering will take place this Christmas, it is usually left up to me to organise, but since the kids have grown up I sometimes wish I could opt out. The whole "business" of Christmas celebrations increasingly feels like more of a chore than a pleasure. I wish I didn't feel like that :(