The U75 Country Walk took us to the flatlands this weekend; we took the train to Hunstanton, then got a lift to the bunkhouse in Deepdale. The walk took us along marshes, sand dunes & beaches and then through the woods ending up in Wells-next-to-the-sea. We even found a treasure map on the way! A great, if freezing cold, trip to north Norfolk.

Up at 7 on a foggy Sunday morning (made ever-so slightly worth it by seeing participants taking part in the Brighton Run), then 4 hours on a train / bus / train to Dorset for my grandma’s housewarming… after 20+ years of living in a thatched cottage worthy of a chocolate box portrait, she’s moved to the ‘big city’ (about 4 miles down to road, pop. 2,920). The new house is lovely, and of great import to me, has beautiful deep windowsills; big enough to curl up on with a book. These windowseats and their cushions are one of the outstanding memories I have of her last house, and I’m pleased to see the tradition continue… maybe it’s a Dorset thing… Anyhow, she seems very settled and happy in her new home, and I wish her many happy times in it.

Ah that time again when cave girl dresses are donned, and hair is backcombed within an inch of it’s hairsprayed life… Yes the Actionettes took to the stage with band Lil Lost Lou and the Action Men going back to their pre-evolved state… bones were shaken and things Karate chopped… All in a night’s work for an Actionette club night.. Too bad I had to get up at 7am the next day – ow!

I broke my own rule about doing anything Christmassy before at least November, but only by one day… Yesterday morning I ventured north to the optimistically named Cultural Quarter of Wood Green to partake in a choir.. yes sing! for a record! heh… Ms McCookerybook was making songs for Bendi Records, and needed some singers (and non singers – see where I fit in?) to sing crazy Christmas words including ‘Ding’ and ‘Dong’ a lot… I was nervous, but keen to see if I actually *could* sing – it’s been a long held curiosity never quite making it into practise. Well anyway the reward was a fruity lolly so how could I refuse. I was very glad to take part, and impressed by H making it not-at-all scary and fun… Listen to the final result! – Christmas Queen