Birthdays

Today is the eldest belle's birthday - she'll be 15. As part of her birthday treat we're going to see John Barrowman in Panto tonight at the Hippodrome. This year it's Robin Hood. She has a Thorntons birthday cake and is very delighted with all her presents. Clothes from her favourite shops and a new austrian crystal dog for her collection.
I can't quite believe I have a daughter this age - already she's talking about when she leaves school next year and driving lessons are only two years away. I am so not ready for this.

Taking down the decs

Panto was fab. Four daleks, special 3d glasses that made it look as if the genie was flying at you. John Barryman is a terrible giggler so - when as happens in panto - the unexpected happens, he was reduced to a fit of the giggles. Don McClean as Widow Twanky and the Grumbleweeds had clearly caught on to this. I love theatre and I wish I could afford to go more often but shows have become so expensive.
It's very cold here and we're expecting some snow later. Beef stew for tea tonight I think and we need to take down the decorations today.
Chapter eight of Animal Instincts should be finished later today too. I'm hostess for the month at the Moonlit readers loop so if you get chance stop by and say hello. Dangerous to Know is due for release on the twentieth and as soon as I see the cover I'll put it up to show you. Moonlit always do beautiful covers so I'm really excited to see what it will be like.

Oh no it isn't

Yes, we're off to the panto tonight. The belles are very excited at the prospect of seeing a 3d genie and a dalek. Eldest is excited as John Barryman is playing as Aladdin.
I spent New Years eve looking back at my goals for last year and updating my business plan for this year. That sounds very important doesn't it? Actually it's just a piece of paper where I look at what I need to do to keep moving forward and how that ties in with the stories I want to write. Then I break it down to make sure it's doable.
The day job is still up in the air. I have to see my manager next week and HR but realistically until I get a time frame and a firm decision from my consultant it's all a bit academic.
Animal Instincts is moving forward well and I'm feeling much happier about the story.

Boxing Day

Well, Santa came, the turkey and pork was delicious, the crackers were pulled and everyone got what they wanted for Christmas. The Belles have been trying to guess for a week what their surprise present was from me and Mr Nell. They'd squeezed and rattled the package, played twenty questions and hazarded a million wild guesses. Happily they were thrilled to find Panto tickets to see John Barryman playing Aladdin. There's supposed to be a three d magical genie and a Dalek on stage too. We're going on Jan 2nd so it should be a good way to start the New Year.
Snata bought me Amazon gift vouchers, some gorgeous jewellery, socks (my faves) and money which will pay my RNA fees.
I also got a book I'd been dying to read, Clarissa Dickson-Wright's Spilling the Beans. This is a lady who has had a life with a capital L. She came to fame as one of the two fat ladies. I'd heard her talking about the book on the radio and it sounded fascinating.
What was your best pressie?