As is now a tradition – here is Howard’s scarecrow for the village scarecrow competition. This year, there are beach babes in our village too – they will feature over the next few days/weeks (don’t want to leave out santa 1 and santa 2 from the fun!)

Howard’s scarecrows are legendary – so much so that one of the other villages has knicked his idea from last year and copied it!

We’ve been out walking tonight and by complete cheek/luck/amazing good fortune, have managed to get ourselves fed by our friends Becks and Iain, who we phoned to cadge a cup of coffee from and ended up with a meal and copious quantities of wine – I knew my ‘no alcohol’ resolve would break sooner-or-later!

Archie ended up with a bloody nose, after a swipe from a cat (Gizmo) who ended up in his mouth….I’m not sure any of the parties expected that. Becks got a swipe too and had a red welt on her arm……sorry Becks!

We had the best evening ever, well one of the best – they’re always grand with the two of them……tonight we got a ‘Mum’ too – Iain’s Mum was down from Scotland so she joined in the festivities.

DM and I set off for home (with recalcitrant dogs) and decided on a whim to go ‘over the top’ instead of up the path – it was scary but ultimately exhilarating as we stood on top of the hill in the dark, scudding clouds, stars and moonlight all around. It was magical and even more so as DM kissed me while we were on top of the world…..I’m lucky indeed. What a wonderful night.

Last year too - I was having a splendid night with my loved ones....especially my baby girl