Christmas is fast approaching so I thought I’d get my post out good and early.

Blue Flame has gone out to the publishers and I’m now awaiting a decision on whether they want it or not. I hope they do want it. It’s the fourth of a series (a tetralogy, I’m told), so if the publishers don’t want it, I’m not sure where to place it. Fingers crossed anyway.

This gives me time to concentrate on Christmas preparations. The family are coming around again, but this year, we’re not going to do a sit down dinner. Normally we have the traditional roast, I then run around like a blue bottomed fly clearing the table and setting up a buffet for later. This year, we’re just going to have a buffet, and we’re not having turkey. I’ll get a nice leg of lamb, lots of salad and side dishes and people can make up their own dinners, or pick at bits as they choose. A little controversial, but the idea seems to be going down well with the kids. It will give me more time to relax. This year, which has been rather stressful, I’m all about relaxing.

Talking about controversial, I’m not having a Christmas cake either. Only about three of us like it, so this year I’m getting a Christmas caterpillar cake. it’s chocolate, so the children will enjoy it. The really good thing is that I won’t have cake hanging around for weeks after Christmas.

Anyway, whether you celebrate Christmas or another festival, whether your New Year begins now, or not, I wish you a wonderful, peaceful and prosperous 2025.