This is one of those books that will stay with me for ages. Bit shaken by it: would definitely recommend but not a light read.

8 pretty bleak, grey miles but the weather means not many people out to get in the way. Today's late to the party song: Lady Gaga, Bloody Mary. I heard the stupid speeded up version first, then discovered the pared down brilliance of the original.

My god Marks and Spencers is hellish. But I need my sprouts

Breakfast out. I'm pinching these marmite for future hotel use.

'I've gone rogue' said the valet as he brought in this mug. Think it's allowed for once? Advent calendar: almost over, here comes Fillyjonk. Today is a day off between family stuff which feels nice.

Me and my brothers, 1979. I'm on the right with the big hair.

Garden is pretty dank and bleak at this time of year. But these cyclamen are a harbinger of things to come. Days are getting longer. Spring will come.

I don't need any more plates, yet I have bought a new plate.

Morning. Yellow mug from the valet and scary Hemulen in the advent calendar. Almost Christmas, chums.

Ok chums, it was a hamper. Some very good guesses though.

Christmas present unwrapping. I'm stuck.

Christmas jumper day for the valet.

Long car journey. George Ezra. Pray for me.

Morning. Festive red mug from the valet and teeny tiny kitten from the advent calendar. Shown next to Primadonna for scale. Busy day today with valet's family do.

Ok that was a great result. Though the valet is now dehydrated from crying. #strictly.

Right, voted 8 times for Karen #strictly

Baking beckons. Not feeling it so I've got Kylie on the record player and Kath Day-Knight on the apron to give me energy.

I know, another running selfie. But given this year a dodgy knee made me think I'd never run again, I'm enjoying nearly everytime I get out. For last few runs, songs will be oldies that I discovered in 2025. Today: Florrie, I took a little something. Bonus shattered post run photo.

And gone again.

Update. Also, there's sheep in the field. Where have they come from?

A murky starry

Morning. Valet on duty again, so purple again. Today's advent calendar is a treat: Primadonna, named after so many of my Bluesky chums. Today's a slowish day before Christmas barminess kicks in.

The #1 movie when you were 10 years old is how your 2026 is going to go.

So, I've had two Christmas cards from the valet. The first one was so appalling that I couldn't bear to look at it. So he bought me another which I like much more. Can you guess which is which?

Lovely afternoon stroll with @steeble.uk. That's completed his GLOWB associate membership review, so his membership is approved for another year. And he has excellent taste in cards @martynwithay.bsky.social .

It's a peach of an afternoon.

Glorious running day again. Looks like I'm glaring at County Hall here. Song of the run: Camelphat, Breathe (Cristophe Remix). @ristophe.bsky.social is this your side hustle?

Truly bizarre seeing photos of Bob Dylan on Castle Boulevard, which I've walked down hundreds of times.

Valet has brought home some presents from work. This is what his reception team bought him. This is his idea of heaven: all his favourite foods. As for the 1970s cookie maker: no bloody idea, wasn't there when I went to bed.

Morning. Chazzer choice again, so gone purple to match my regal qualities. Thingummy (left) has been reunited with Bob. It's not raining. It's all good.

Just following orders from @dnlmrkrssll.bsky.social and posting my lolly/slippers/telly point of view. Alas no solero so I'm slumming it with a Magnum.

That's me done for the year. Goodbye to this view for a bit.

Mole update: decent prize this week.

Has anyone, ever, even once, wanted to reopen Outlook items? Every effing day.

Morning. Valet up early to buy gluten free sausages (not a euphemism.) so Chazzer choice: gone for pink. Advent calendar is Fredrikson, who seems to be a worried looking dog with my work expression.

Got lucky in the chazzers this lunchtime. £2 of slightly worn joy.

Just got called 'young man' in Timpsons. Still got it.

Another incredible morning to be out running. In reality wasn't quite this pink, but still a spectacular dawn. Song of the run: Tove Lo, True Disaster (Cut Snake remix).

Ok, I did the wrapped thing. I post A LOT. Alarmed to see I have posted nonstop for 333 days. More alarmed that @nickysee.bsky.social is my most talked to person.

Morning. Mint green mug from the valet and Moomin Papa from the calendar. Two days of work left this year.

Ok: the starter is ok. Best loaf I've managed in ages. Hoo bloody ray.

Went for a run as a reward for marking. God it was nice out. Song of the run: Paris Angels, Perfume (Loved Up).

Found my sourdough starter close to death at the back of the fridge. Resuscitated it and testing it out. If there's no post later, it was a disahster.

Morning. Pale blue and The Professor in the advent calendar. Wonder how much marking he has got? Was planning a run but the rain is bouncing off the roof so no.

You're so vain , you probably think this prompt is about you.

Bit of festive Fanny. Surprisingly good.

Morning. Red mug, Misabel in the advent calendar. Last week of work for me which is wall to wall essay marking for me.

Seven miles run even though I just wanted to stay in bed. Just about dodged the arrival of delightful Forest fans with no spatial awareness. Song of the run: bit of disco from Brainstorm: Lovin' is really my game.

Morning: nice purple mug, good dawn sky and Stinky in the advent calendar. Decent start to the day.

Advent candle half way gone.