Merry Chrimbo

We're making the best of Christmas this year, but it won't be as merry as it has been in the past. Money is very tight, with MLYW still out of work and my job finishing in just 7 days time (and I'll only be paid for 4 of those).

There's a sniff of a possible short-term contract for me which might materialise in the 2nd week of the New Year (fingers, toes and everything else crossed), so I think I should look upon the first week of January as an enforced holiday - unless I can find anyone who needs holiday cover for their Oracle databases!

Our entire family decided has decided to forego Xmas presents this year altogether. Though I'm sure that my nephew Tom will still have a bundle of things to open on Christmas morning. While it will be odd not to have a pile of gaily-wrapped gifts to open on December 25th, that's more than balanced by not having to brave the shopping hoards and it's been great not to have to spend money which can be saved for more essential purchases; like the mortgage payments, or a new, uncracked windscreen...

Anyhoo - it's all been a bit depressing of late, hence the lack of posting recently. I'm sure things will pick up in 2009. We've already made plans in January to meet up with friends we haven't seen for a year or two. We've neglected old friends of late (though it's a two-way street!) and 2009 is going to be the year of catching-up with people - so beware!

Mary Crimble

Our Christmas tree.

Our Christmas candles.

Merry Christmas everybody! Here's wishing that the festive season and the New Year bring you everything you want.

Mark Owen Loses Temper in Dramatic Tram Breakdown

Good day to you!

In an exciting, suspenseful and dramatic ceremony, conducted this afternoon by Kathleen, Pele and Terry Wogan, we have finally decided the allocations in the Moore family's Not-So-Secret-Santa extravaganza 2006.

I know that you've all been waiting for this news for some weeks now, so with no further ado we'll get down to the announcement...

But first, here to entertain us with a song from their latest album - it's Take That!

Wow! Wasn't that great! Thanks to Howard, Jason and Gary for coming along this evening. We're sorry that Mark was unable to make it, but his tram broke down somewhere just outside Croydon.

So, now it's time for the announcement. Jordan - can I have the envelope please...?

Jo will be buying a present for Kathleen.
Dad will be buying a present for Mum.
Pete will be buying a present for Dad.
Mum will be buying a present for Pete.
Kathleen will be buying a present for Jo.

And that concludes this evening's entertainment. Join us again next time when you could have another chance to be lucky. Don't forget - it could be you!

From all of us at the Addlestone Studio... Goodnight!