A Quick Breath of Fresh Air

On Christmas Day, I will be cooking for the family - a total of 10 mouths to feed, so we have quite a bit of prep work to do before the big day. Typically, work has become really busy and as a result, I've arrived home in the evening just once before 9pm in the last week. But as a result, were in a good position to secure additional work next year. It's going to be a busy few days preparing menus and the house, into which we need to fit a host of other stuff. I'd rather it be that way though. Having worked away at our Southampton office for most of the 8 months from October 2016, I took a good lengthy three weeks leave over the summer hols the year. Together with the odd half-term days and others scattered throughout the year, none were left ahead of the Christmas break. It'll all be done and sleep and rest will come after.

Today, I found a couple of minutes to pop up onto the flood defences at Manningtree on a trip to the shops for some last-minute items before heading to the farm shop to ensure the meal's centre piece will be plucked, dressed and ready for collection on Sunday.