Seed thief!

Today is the winter solstice, I am looking forward to the days slowly getting longer from now on. Although they actually don't for quite a while yet, in fact tomorrow the day is even shorter!

Gavin went to Waitrose at 8.30am this morning to get the last of the fresh veggies for me, as I was waiting at home for the alarm technician to come do a routine maintenance check. The supermarket was very busy and Gavin was pleased to have gone early and get the shopping done before the Christmas mania set in. The alarm technician was meant to come at 8.30am but when he had not arrived an hour later, Gavin phoned the company and we were told he had been called out to another job and they did not know when he would be with us - this is the umpteenth time they have done this, just not turned up at all or turned up many hours later, so Gavin cancelled the visit and told them we are cancelling our maintenance contract too. Bad service does not have to be tolerated!

I was then able to take Xena out for a walk while Gavin did some work (he is meant to be on holiday). It was mild today but rather blustery due to the latest storm to arrive in the UK.

Squirrels are usually very easy subjects to photograph, but not in our garden where they are extremely skittish due to Xena chasing them or barking at them. I stood hiding behind a tree waiting for this squirrel to appear, and then took a few quick shots before it scampered off again.

Luke is arriving tonight after work, Tommy is arriving from Inca's house, and Adam has decided to come tomorrow morning as he will be working late in the lab to finish up before Christmas. I don't like the boys on the roads at this busy time of year, so I think that is the better option rather than driving when it is late and he is tired. I have already made supper, a lamb curry, and it is all ready for the arrival of the other two boys.

And so the Christmas weekend begins....