Well, I have been back at work at Company X for three weeks now and I have to say it’s amazing how quickly you settle back into the work routine.  Sometimes it feels like I have never been away and others it feels like an entirely new experience. Either way I feel energised and excited at the year that lies ahead.

As for most of the UK, the snow came to Shirley but Southampton seemed to have missed the brunt of it which caused me much disappointment. I know that is a childish approach to the ‘evil white stuff’ but I have to say I love it. Everywhere looks so different – even downtown Shirley took on an alpine feel with snow gently coating the roof of Pound Land, ice crystals shimmering on the shattered glass of the bus stop and the fag smoke from the chavs hanging around outside the One Stop floating up through the chill late afternoon air. It could almost have been Aspen.

So what has the new year brought?

I have to confess that Iv’e not done any writing – in fact I’m enjoying a month off. Editing on the first draft of the book will probably start in February as I’m keen to be able to present my first three finished chapters to agents at this year’s Winchester Writers’ Conference. That way I can always answer the question ‘ Have you finished the book yet? with a confident ‘yes.’

Baby Hughes continues to progress nicely. I’ve just seen the latest pictures and he is certainly a beaut! Mrs Q is hosting a family soiree on Sunday so we look forward to seeing said babe then. He is certainly a healthy baby and is putting on weight continuously.

Ian has also taken up a new hobby which I shan’t reveal here apart from saying that he keeps pricking his finger on that embroidery needle.

Ive not embarked on any new interests but as always continue to be gripped by my dear friends, My Books. In fact I have just finished Sarah Waters’ ‘The Little Stranger.’ This was one of the short-listed Booker Prize entries from 2009 and tells the tale of a Doctor called out to an old, rather decrepid  Georgian mansion to examine one of the servant girls who is sick. The story proceeds to open the house up to the reader as we learn of spooky goings on, a touch of romance and an interesting comment on life just after the War when rationing reigned and the country was gripped by austerity. Personally I needed more spookiness asnd less description as the book slowed in the middle to a rather pedestrian pace. However, I couldn’t fault the writing which was a joy to read: evocative, atmospheric and at times melancholic without being gloomy. Overall a pleasure to read if suffering from a rather inconclusive ending.

So what does the week end bring? Hopefully a log fire, packet of choclate hobnobs and the start of my new book: A S Byatt’s ‘The Children’s Story.’ Can’t wait!