And So It Begins

Finally, despite my best efforts to avoid even thinking about it, the C word is now allowed to be uttered between consenting adults in private.

Yes, indeed, December has crept up on us unawares once again and Christmas has to be dealt with in whatever way we see fit.

All this means, of course, that the annual race to see who can get the first Christmas card through the portals of Millbrooker Towers has taken place. I have never encouraged this particular prankish game, but nonetheless every year someone (or more accurately some people, plural) get themselves into the starting blocks and begin firing off cards in the hope of being FIRST.

So, for your delight and delectation, here are the podium finishers for this year:

In gold medal position (and I'm not 100% certain that this actually counts), a tasteful red sock picture from Total Butler who also kindly supply our heating oil in return for a moderately large slice of the Millbrooker Towers' household income.

The runner up and silver medal holder for this year, a lovely little red dangling ball from Elin. Thank you, Elin.

And finally, holding the bronze medal for the next twelve months, a snowman picture from Geordie John. Thank you, GJ.

It's been some years since Geordie John (no prizes for guessing his geographical origins) has made an appearance in Millbrook, but the memories of his last sojourn here are still strong. Geordie John's big news of the last twelve months is that his daughter has tied the knot and he's moved house but is still very much a Budleigh Salterton resident where I expect he has buddied up with its other famous inhabitant Giles Wemmbley-Hogg (2Ms, 2Gs).

So, here we go on the terrifying seasonal Nantucket sleigh ride towards a day of outrageous pigging out and silliness...best of luck everyone.