It's so very nearly Christmas - which feels unreal in a surreal kind of way. Yes I've done my Christmas shopping. I've even exchanged presents with a few people, so it shouldn't feel like it's not about to happen.

I'm off and away for a few days - but back in time for New Year. I've printed the latest version of my manuscript - which I'll take with me and probably ignore. I feel better for the fact that I'm planning to take it.

So Gesundheit, and merry merry and all those sorts of things.