Dentist says.. nice teeth, and very good oral hygiene.. so no fillings for me today! Not even a scrape. Yah! Gold star for me.

I made popcorn for the first time this afternoon (I know.. I've lived a sheltered life). For those who do not know how to do this (as you may not have mastered this essential life skill either) you put the kernels in a pan, put the lid on and leave on the heat for a few minutes.

Initially, I was very excited (well that could be a slight exaggeration) as I watched the little kernels puff up into what I recognised from the cinema. But, I took my eye off the ball and this lead to disaster! The instructions said (best to blame it on the instructions)- leave it on the heat til there is no more popping. So I did. And I burnt them, so now the house stinks of burnt corn. Not good.

I may try again later. I had planned to a) eat some and b) leave some to go stale and then thread it into garlands for my Christmas tree as an alternative to tinsel. I know, I know.. you wish I was there to do your Christmas dec's this year too.

I have not given up altogether on my Christmas decorations and I am currently slow roasting orange slices in the oven to see if I can dry them enough to use to decorate the tree. Oh yes, I plan to have a natural/ edible tree this year.

I'm hoping that these endeavours are more successful than last years present wrapping fiasco. If you recall I had the 'genius' idea of using receycled newspaper and red bows. In my mind's eye this was beautiful and eco friendly... but actually it just turned out rather crap. By the time Craig's family received their presents, the bows had somehow disappeared and we were left with presents wrapped in last week's news. Marvellous!