How not to hibernate...

Can't wait til the 21st when the nights start drawing out again.   This season has it's moments, of course.  My daughter saw some fancy fireworks and almost froze her nose off.  She loves the chance to toboggan in the snow, but we just don't really get enough of it for that, so I'm already bored with the darkness and weather this year for the first time.  Of course, there's still my birthday to come, and panto tickets booked, although also I'm thinking of actually cooking on my birthday this year rather than going out to eat.  It's just impossible to get anything decent on the actual day, so I may as well dig into the huge stockpile of food I have been preparing.  The allotment has taken a bit of a backseat as I start to think of fancy (and usually forbidden) foods.  We are allowed to eat rich stuff at Christmas, though, aren't we?

Without my lovely Gran to see on Christmas day, it will be so odd.  She'll be with us though, as I've had a piece of her jewellery altered to make a lasting gift for my daughter.  After her funeral I realised that I had to get as much living in as possible. I went out with my best friend to a party and laughed and laughed as much as I have for a very long time. No photos will be posted of this particular evening no matter how much you try to find one!

Work is always a blessing to have, and the girls I help teach gymnastics had a show for the rest of the school to see their skills.  It took me right back to my dance school days to see the girls gain in confidence, and feel the tension in the air as they geared up for the performance.

I was at Clapham Winter Wonderland, putting pennies in the arcade and warming my hands round a brazier.  It was a giant fairground, by the river with elves chasing Father Christmas for an ad for Carphone Warehouse.  I need to get some serious cold-weather clothing and got myself a snow white high-togged duck down hooded puffa jacket, and a lot of thermals, right after being reminded how cold I was looking back at this.  

Winter Wonderland

There was an extra job for a TV drama which was making use of some tae kwon do and cage fighters for stunt fighting.  It can occasionally get boring waiting to be used so I used my time being flung around the room by topless men displaying their six-packs. They seemed exhausted by the time they were called upon to perform for camera.  Oh well.

A Lipsey casting followed, which I expect I'll hear about in due course.  The funniest fittings job was for basic economy bras. I never know if I'll be asked to try on something high-end or not, but these were budget bras.  Thin, unsupportive straps will always get a negative review from me even while just standing still but I was asked to behave in a way I'd consider unusual. A hop/step combination whilst wearing one low-support version was particularly amusing. Jumping up and down, star jumps, and a cross between a shimmy and a rugby warm up (shoulder circles) were requested. If anyone who needs a bra does any of these movements during the course of a day I'll be surprised.   

I did a trip to New Bond Street to get present ideas, and got a quick snap near the lights.  Yes, I do love a bit of winter sparkle.

I did an ASOS fitting for coats and winter sweaters and bought myself another portable radiator. I've got electric blankets on order. I do know I'd never be able to do an arctic exploration.  I can smile for a photo as above, but don't expect me to be happy in low temperatures!

The next time you hear from me I will be well into my new term supervising the rowers in South Kensington.  Really fortunate this year despite all the ups and downs that 2017 brought.  

Have a lovely, peaceful, love filled holiday whatever you are doing.