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For the past few years I've pondered helping out at a homeless shelter for Christmas. This year, I've finally got around to making the necessary arrangements (car, insurance) so will actually be doing it.

Today, Boxing day, Saturday and Sunday I'll be at the Crisis shelter in Acton between 3pm and 11pm.

I'm looking forward to it. I shall have a bite to eat here (at my mum's place), maybe exchange a gift or two and then head out.

The only downside is I'll be forgoing my mum's roast dinner.

Earlier in the week, I vaguely recall hearing talk of a picnic due to take place today (Sunday as I post this). I found no details, so did a bit of computer support for a friend's mum, and then headed home again. Dozed much of today due to the humidity, but went out for dinner and had a lovely meal with neefsk at Miso in Camden, and spoke about many things, most notably family feuds, and how people bear grudges.


Afterwards we wandered to the nearby Dev. Caught up with mr_eleganza having not seen him for the best part of a year.

Clicky - an interesting article on a socialogical experiment conducted in a history class, devised in attempt to investigate why some people deny the holocaust.

My Dad and Lynne visited in the aftermnooon of Christmas eve, coming over on their way to visit Lynne's sister for the Christmas period. They dropped off their presents to me: a sandwich toaster (something I mentioned that I wanted and would be excellent for my somewhat under equipped kitchen), and also a paper shredder. This would be incredibly useful, taking into account the increased amount of identity theft and forgery that goes on. I count myself lucky that I've not been victim to it, and it's probably just a matter of luck

They left around 4pm, and I finished packing and got the train about an hor or so later. Arrived at Maidenhead and got a taxi to the Jolly Farmer, only the taxi driver misheared and took me to The Jolly Gardener in nearby Holyport. Hence I arrived later than I intended, but it all worked out well in the end.

As is the tradition Christmas day was spent with my mum, and I ate an absolute mountain. ANd then did the same again :-) Desert was excellent - a yule log, but rather than being made with regular sponge, it was made with chocolate brownie mix, and then slightly undercooked so you get the gooiness. Nyommy!

Boxing day was with the extended family - aunts, uncles, cousins and any sprogs they seem to be dropping. :-)

I've not had many awful Christmases; my family does not really do fueds. How many people can say that their mother and dad's subsequent partner of 8 years go on holiday together? :-)

I felt that I spent just enough time with the family to catch up, but not too long that I got bored. Not having a car anymore means that I am now very much reliant on public transport. This isn't normally a problem, especially in London, except over holiday seasons. Conveniently shevek was driving so was able to pick me up en route. Got back home during the early hours, but I wasn't clock watching so I forget when.


Presents included: some chilli chocolate, some orange-infused sugar, a sandwich toaster, a paper shredder, a smart shirt 'n' tie, some london social/entertainment guide books, some columbian drinking chocolate.

What did you lot get?

My brother and his girlfriend are staying tonight, arriving in just under an hour. SHIT SHIT I NEED TO GET THE FLAT TIDIED IN TIME. Anyway, this means that I'll probably not be out this evening in jillys. There's a slim chance I can drag them out but I don't think it will happen.

I have Sunday and Monday off work so am available for socialising then if there are any plans. Cinema, perhaps? I'd quite like to see Runaway Jury Anyone interested?

My TODO list is getting ever large. I'll not post it here because it's now a point of embarrassment :-/

Woke at 8am, and got a lift down to Church for sunday service bellringing. Good thing I turned up, since they'd only have had 3 otherwise.

Played lots of pool with Lucy - she really loves that games room.

I ate a shitload at lunch - smoke salmon, loads of cold meats etc.

The others have just gone swimming, so I wastched some TV.