Day 989

CHRISTMAS EVE. Up at 9.30; had a shock when my hard disc failed to start in the morning, with the computer reporting nothing but '1701'. I suspected cold, and gently played the fan-fire over the aging computer for five minutes. The disc started first time! I've never heard of that happening, ever. I might keep the room a bit warmer in future.

Round to my parents', peeled a pound of sprouts in the morning for tomorrow, which took ages.

Walked home, starting with a circuit round Langwell Drive, like I did on Christmas Eve 1991.

Had a couple of cans of beer from 7.30 onwards - it is Christmas after all. Tidied up the room so I can wake up to a bit of space on Christmas morning.

And so it only remains to say: Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!