I have been Belfasted....

Was out lastnight on the traditional route of the CR-then-Parlour. A Christmas rendez-vous with Dr A.Cnt & Cathy, fresh from their Antipodean Escapade, DrRTJMCA (who will probably now be visiting MSSL next week, under the excuse of going to an RAS meeting), Mr Smartest Person Ever (Ph.D. pending), Steve Not-Davis, and Susan.

Whilst enjoying a wee après-pub whiskey in James' place, Cathy's stomach suddenly decided to vent its frustration with the night's ingredients, so we didn't see much of herself or Dr Cnt for a wee while. I don't remember everything, but I remember a lot by my usual standards. Including displaying my random pop knowledge a bit too much, every time a new video came on VH1, MTV or the Box.

And much discussions were had about the state of things, and it was cold and wet, and everything was back to normal in my life for a while. Which was nice.

Catching the 0850 from Aldergrove to Gatwick on Friday suddenly seems very close indeed... But for now, I am very content to sit drinking tea in Augher on the big sofa, with most of the family around. Anything else seems overly ambitious.

Salad's ready, apparently.

It's been a day of visits. Sarah+Kieran, Des+Bernie+Grace... And I've been to the Arse End Of Nowhere twice in the last 24 hours.

Just trying to book my flight back to The London now. Want to go back on Friday 02 January, and it's looking V expensive. Ryanair's mysterious �5 flights are nowhere to be seen when booking, so it's back to the traditional Stelios Airways.

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.

I feel truly awful.





I can barely type, and speaking has proved to be a Pandora's box today. Two meetings so far (the first I just made, thanks to us taking a taxi to work from the house). Abi was in no fit state to drive us in this morning, and I arrived at 11:01 for the 11:00 meeting. Smelling not unlike a distillery.

The second meeting was good, but excruciating (not in a sex-parlour way, I hasten to add). I think I may have given the poor woman passive alcohol poisoning.

I'm glad I'm leaving at 5 today. Fletch, meself and Abi are going up to see Mr Bridger.

Mmmmm... Thai Christmas Dinner....

We'll be going back there for the odd lunch, I think. And now I just want to sleep.......