Tuesday 30th November

Update ahoy

Well the end of November has rolled around and it is hard to believe that it is over a month since we were in Paris. We have had another busy month and the days just seem to go faster and faster. I attribute this to it being dark most of the time. It is that time of year again when I set off for work in the dark and return in the dark. Never mind it isn't long now until December 22 and the shortest day.

We seem to have spent a lot of the month shopping. It does make me feel virtuous when we have nearly finished and my colleagues have all barely begun. Having to post presents sure does make you more efficient. Nick and I have made several visits to Oxford Circus recently. Including one that included a visit to the Liberty Christmas shop to augment our Christmas decorations. (Really I wasn't allowed anymore after purchasing mooses in Sweden but the decorations were so fantastic I just couldn't resist.) Liberty has the kind of Christmas store I always wanted Kirks to have. Huge, with beautiful decorations, sweets, cakes, cards, ribbon, wrapping paper and more.

London has also recently seen the opening of an Apple store - the first in Europe. Nick and I dutifully trekked into town on opening day to arrive just in time for when the queue peaked - at 11.00am and around 5 000 people. We decided that we just weren't that fervent-a-fans and the fact that it was the coldest day we have had so far this winter certainly added to our disincentive to wait in the queue. Some hardy souls had even camped out overnight - now that is dedication. We headed off to do a few other things that needed doing - including buying Toffee Pops and Mallowpuffs from the New Zealand shop - had lunch and then returned at around 2.00pm to a much more manageable line. We waited around 15 minutes before being ushered in the door. There were certainly plenty of products we could have purchased but we were strong and resisted. Nick has since been back three more times, once with Duncan and twice after work while waiting for others, so the free internet certainly has it uses. Though I suspect he may get tapped on the shoulder and informed 'Sir, we know the shop is cool but really four visits in ten days are you casing the joint?'

Of course we had Bronwyn's birthday this month too. As all good birthdays should she managed to stretch it out. Duncan and Bronwyn went to Dublin for a weekend, then we had presents on the day and a special game dinner with duck, pheasant and venison, then at the weekend Duncan made a decadent looking cake and then she had a party on the Sunday at a local cafe. We hope she feels well and truly spoiled and that she had a great time and will have a wonderful year ahead.

We all indulged the big kid inside by going to see The Incredibles last Saturday. It was fun and had some laugh out loud moments. I think we can all relate to the driving direction scene that results in yelling and little navigating. The Incredibles are on the lights in Regent Street this year so the marketing campaign is going full tilt!

I also went to Bronwyn's school's Christmas fair in the weekend. I had heard so many stories about the kids she works with that I was dying to meet some of them. It is quite a small school but there seemed to be a real community spirit with lots of kids, mums, dads, grandmas, grandpas and friends turning out. Bronwyn and I helped with making Christmas decorations. The kids could make one for 25p, two for 50p or four for £1. Bronwyn and I were on lolly stick stars (that's ice block stick stars to you in the Southern Hemisphere). We had to glue six sticks into a star shape, then cover it with glue and glitter and then attach a ribbon. As most of you know my artistic talents are not great - but I managed and we only got a little covered in glue and glitter! Everybody seemed to have a good time and the two big boys at home enjoyed the edible treats we brought back with us.

We met my friend Liz in town last night. Liz used to work at the university with me but is now employed by the British Museum so Oxford Circus was as good a place as any to meet. I hadn't seen Liz for ages so it was lovely to catch up. I have to say the Regent Street lights look less tacky at night - not completely un-naff but much better than they look during the day! We went to Carluccios for a drink and nibbles. Liz and Nick shared a couple of anti-pasto dishes and then demolished chocolate truffle puddings afterwards. They also indulged in some Italian wine. It was warm and cosy and an excellent chance to catch up with Liz.

So I think that wraps up our November. We will try and be better at updating in December but I can't promise anything...

Posted by Hayley