Eyelash fungus

I've been more than a little preoccupied these past few days, finishing a major report and preparing for 'fake' Christmas, which we held yesterday, so that Chris and Lizzy wouldn't miss out while they're in India. I wasn't sure that I'd be able to get into the festive spirit in early November, but some Christmas music and fairy lights (along with a schooner of sherry) soon got us all in the mood.

We feasted on roast chicken (no fresh turkeys yet), sticky belly of pork, spiced red cabbage, roast parsnips, roast potatoes, Brussels sprouts with chestnuts and bacon, bread sauce, cranberry sauce and of course, two varieties of stuffing and bacon-wrapped sausages. This was followed by morello cherry and chocolate fondant puddings and filo-pastry mince pies (much lighter than the traditional variety). We were all stuffed but still managed to play Articulate and Cranium into the small hours of the morning!

Today was a cool but sunny morning, so Pete and I headed to Holme Fen for a refreshing walk. There are still quite a few fungi around including these tiny eyelash fungi Scutellinia scutellata agg., nestled on a very rotten birch stump. This species is supposed to be very common, but it's been a long while since I've seen it. It was by far the most colourful species we came across this morning.

This time tomorrow I'll be driving back from Heathrow, having said farewell to the travellers. I don't know when I'll see them again - eight months have been mentioned, but I think they realise that this might need to be adjusted, depending on how they cope with a life on the road. Of course, if they love it and are careful with their money, it could be even longer!!

PS A year ago our beloved Gemma had just come home from the vet, and we were hoping she'd make a full recovery. She's still missed...