IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE...

ur annual countdown to Yule was accompanied by a nagging worry this year. With my recent injury, the simple act of climbing into the loft to retrieve all the festive decorations looked deeply doubtful. That tradition—the festive preparation I look forward to most—seemed genuinely out of reach.

Thankfully, we got a helping hand: Rags's boyfriend stepped in, and the entire festive haul was safely brought downstairs. Success! On the chilly afternoon of 30th November, the tree finally went up.

For the last few years, we've happily been early decorators, usually trimming up mid-November. After all, Yule is the most important celebration in our calendar, and who wouldn't want to make that precious feeling last as long as possible?

2002.24 RAIDING AND PILLAGING ANYONE?

Recently I started exploring some different music, something that's taken a back seat in my life for a while now. I'm having a bit of a renaissance with folk metal and some other Nordic and Pagan rock.

1812.23 YULETIDE CHEER

Christmas has lost its way. There I said it. That's not to say all is lost, you must look at the whole celebration and how you view it. If you strip Christmas back it's supposed to be about gathering with those important to you. It's about the feast. It's about family.

1811.18 GET ME OUT OF HERE!

As a rule I don't like reality tv. I find it unstimulating and dull. Luckily Morticia generally agrees, with one exception.

1712.02 WEBCOMIC: ROLLO #35- PIZZA

Rollo #35; Have you ever regretted being a little rash? Especially when you've had a couple of drinks.

1711.23 WEBCOMIC: ROLLO #34- BEEF

Rollo #34; There's nothing like a delicious carvery, except when it's nothing like a delicious carvery.

1710.08 WONDERFUL EVERYDAY

It's been over 20 years in the making. People have actively campaigned for this to happen. Well the wait was finally over as Sheffield welcomed Ikea to the city last week as the Swedish store opened it's doors to it's 20th UK premises. 

1708.10 UNDERPANTS AND CAR WASHING

It's come around again. It's time to pack for our annual pilgrimage to Wales.

1702.28 HOW DO YOU EAT YOURS?

No I'm not talking about Cadbury's Cream Eggs I am of course talking about the fact that today is Shrove Tuesday, otherwise known as PANCAKE DAY! 

1604.30 EARLY STAR WARS DAY

Morticia is of out with friends so I will be home with Rags. We've decided to have the household premiere of STAR WARS - THE FORCE AWAKENS. We haven't seen it since the cinema back in December.

We've also been to Iceland for a microwave curry. We're all set for an afternoon in front of the TV. I'm looking forward to seeing it again and re-appreciating the whole phenomenon. After this showing I'll be watching and analyzing ready for the next movie.

I know it's not Star Wars Day until Wednesday but it's the perfect opportunity to enjoy in peace (Morticia hates Star Wars). The curtains will be drawn and the phone on silent.

1503.15 MOTHERS' DAY

This year we wanted to do something special to mark Mothers Day. It's the first time in recent years that we've all been together and it needed to be special. The last time we were all together we took a trip to Whitby so we decided to do the same again.

It was an early start (I was up at 6am) so that we could beat any potential crowds. I know it's out of season but it can still get busy.

We had a great day, truly wonderful. Morticia struggled getting around a little but we didnt rush her around. It got quite busy in the middle of the day with queues forming outside all of the cafes, restaurants and take-aways. We waited a while before enjoying a meal in Robertson's fish and chip restaurant.

A good time, no a great time was had but now it's time to pay the price. Morticia, I'm betting will be bed ridden for the next few days. Was it worth it? She says so and who am I to argue?