I didn't really update to end 2017, and have promised myself I will do better.  So ignoring Christmas (Jiffy and I got soaked walking to see Mum & Dad's graves); Boxing Day that I spent with Nick & Family (and won the game of Star Wars Monopoly); I will head straight into 2018.

It took Jiffy a long time to settle after the fireworks.  Then the night before last we had a thunder storm ... so he wasn't impressed with that, either.  Anyway, we have just got in from a walk and he seemed pretty happy again.  The trouble is that although he is a terrier (who tend to be long-lived), it is times like this he shows his age (of 11 1/2) as he takes time to recover.  As I type this he is curled on the sofa ... presumably dreaming of his lunch.

My job hours have dropped dramatically.  I had a couple of consecutive clinics I was working in, but the afternoon one was changed to full-time which I didn't want to do.  So I now am on a rolling contract for 3 morning clinics a week.  I still work with the bank, so can increase those hours any time I want.  However I have decided to just do those hours for this month so that I am fully recovered after the year I had last year.  I have some money still from mum & Dad, and don't want to just "waste" it, but feel I need to be a good girl and let myself settle ... especially as I plan to go back to Clacton at the end of the month to see Auntie Joyce, for her birthday, but also to decide what she wants for her future.

Rather than spend loads of time on computer solitaire I have started a jigsaw that I was given ages ago and never done, and it is great back to that fun.

So, that's our news up to date!

Today I have my car being valetted by a retired neighbour, and want to start sorting out the Christmas decorations.  And, hope to do some baking ... I really fancy making some coconut buns!

Happy Thursday everyone.