Sitting by the fire, listening to the howling wind and rain lashing at the windows, my thoughts go out to those people left without power over Christmas after strong storms ripped through England, as well as the hundreds of travellers left stranded at airports following mass power failure.

I toyed with the idea of travelling away for Christmas this year, but am glad that I chose to just come home to England. Christmas for me is all about spending time with the people I love, enjoying good food and drink. My family and friends are spread all around the UK and world – something which I normally consider a blessing, giving me an excuse to travel and see the places that they call home – but it does mean that the holiday season for me is a little frenetic as I run from town-to-town like one of Santa’s elves! I’m trying to cut down the number of destinations on my UK tour, so this time I will be sticking to Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Oxfordshire and Suffolk to visit close family and my two best friends.

Normal posting will resume after the break, and in the meantime, I wish everyone who is celebrating a very merry Christmas, and a fantastic start to the new year for all.

Enjoy!!