Random pre-entry thought: blogger looks very different on Internet Explorer than it does on MozillaFirebird...

Happy Christmas from Augher! And Happy Nailbiting if, like Melody (ScottDot suggested new name Magic106) Off-Of-Work, you're sitting in a control room in Leicester, waiting for Beagle 2 (see, also, our site and ESA's for more details) to call home.

Hoping, if not assuming, that that goes well, all the hairy. Certain folk (e.g. the Neil much-cited in this blog, ScottDot,...) will have to work over the coming days and weeks. But it's my longest holiday in the year. All other departures from the office which have lasted longer than a week have been work-related, I think you'll find...

Came over slightly defensive there, admittedly. Got some very clever presents this year -- guitar song book from Abi and Are You Dave Gorman? (the booook) from Sister Number 2. Major thanks to Dr Green, too, for her expert help with buying for sisters. Virgin Vie make-up was a top tip! Thanks, lady.

breaking news!!</sky news>

Our car -- a Mondeo of many years' good service -- has just died. We are now stranded a mile-and-a-half from the nearest village. mum just pointed out that something always seems to stop us from going out over Christmas. I wasn't that fussed on going out to the Hogs tonight, but tomorrow had been an option. Now all we have to do is not go stir-crazy, start any avalanches, etc.

I'll get back to you once I've finished wondering whether border collies taste nice in a sauce bernaise...

I will also get my coat.