Megan the Elf

The forecast high winds duly arrived, not just driving the leaves from the streets but most of the people too. Opportunities for street photography at lunchtime were distinctly thin on the ground. The few souls that were about were mostly in a hurry to do their business and escape the eviscerating blast. I went to collect my sandwich, the memory card untroubled, where I found a rather lovely elf in the shop. Megan here is wearing a costume every day during the Advent period to raise money for MacMillan Cancer Support.Blip problem solved. It's not every day you get to meet an elf.

In return for a picture I said I'd give the worthy cause a bit of a plug so do take a quick visit to Megan's own blog where I make a reciprocal celebrity appearance! The personal cost to this blip is having to face the reality that Christmas is less than 3 weeks away. I've been in denial. This whole year has passed with disturbing speed. If it wasn't for blipping every day I would find it impossible to recall any of it, such is the blur of events. Yesterday was something of a blur on its own. I got totally stuck on one problem. I should have left it but I became trapped by my stubborn streak and refused to let go. The solution always seemed to be just one moment of inspiration away. That moment never came though and by the time I made it home I was fit for nothing. I couldn't face any more time at the computer so my laptop's lid remained closed. Tomorrow (which is already today) is another day.

I'm not in a good frame of mind at the moment but you lovely people are so encouraging as far as the photography is concerned. You clearly love naked winter trees, just as I do. I almost didn't post the shot at all because they've become something of a cliché for me. I was all set to upload an alternative before realising the biographical connotation. I'm glad I changed my mind. Your hearts, together with meeting the lovely Megan, were the only highlights of a day I will be happy to forget.

I think the England cricket team will be happy to forget it too. That was not a happy scoreline to wake up to this morning. Oh dear.