I do apologise for my very lengthy silence – it has been deliberate but it would have been courteous of me to have told you *before* I fell silent. I’ve not written anything recently because I’m in the midst of writing my thesis, so the last thing I want to do when I get back home from work is sit down and do more writing. I’ve done 3/4 of a first draft, and it’s progressing (if somewhat slowly).

So, hello, I’m still here. I’ve had a fun little Christmas with family, which I’ve immensely enjoyed. Aside from one picture that makes me look like a lecherous speed dater, I think I’ve come out of it quite well! I’m going to head off now and have a board game evening to whisk us towards 2012.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!