Party time!

I went down to the private physio in Stockbridge today, just to see what else they could do for my recalcitrant knees. After finding that it was away along at the far end of the road from my bus stop, and I was running late, I was in a lather by the time I reached there (hate being late for appointments). Not helped by being confronted by huge steps down into a basement premises...

However, I managed, because there was a railing. I met with Tracey, a nice young lass from NZ, and she was very good - did lots of pummelling, and gave me a few other simple exercises to do. And I really have to do them, otherwise I will NOT improve. I have to 'work through the pain'. I go and see her again in the New Year, and I'd better have improved by then (not her words).

I popped into a charity shop on the way back home. I don't usually do this, I was lured in by some mystical force. And there it was - the perfect silly Christmas jumper, £6.50, waiting for me.

Back home to get organised for our seven guests this evening. Five people and two dogs, and all live nearby. JR had made lots of delicious nibbles, but I'm quite good at popping toppings on. Archie insisted on wearing tinsel on his collar, and I had my new jumper on.

We had a lovely evening - the dogs all know each other and were quite sensible. Brian kept going and getting Archie's toys, but Archie is such a sweetie, he didn't mind at all. Later on, we took them out to the back garden, where even Hamish joined in the charging around like daft things.

We didn't put the food on the coffee table as usual, which is manageable with just Archie, but madness with three dogs. We had Archie's grooming table behind the sofa, nicely covered with a tablecloth, and the drinks and food were safe there, handed round as needed. Christmas songs on the soundtrack (carefully chosen, and definitely no Slade) daft dogs to amuse us with their antics, plenty of prosecco and yummy nibbles, all made for a fun evening.

Elizabeth popped in for an hour at the beginning, and Archie cried when she left.

Brian is soon to have a wee friend, a half brother who will answer to the name of Bert. How exciting!