Saturday: With the cold weather now upon us, I've been doing my bit for nature by putting food out for the birds. I have visions of grateful blackbirds, robins and other sweet feathery friends. The reality is two scruffy pigeons and a couple of magpies. Are these the only birds left in London? My cat used to sit in hope under the table. Even she has given up in disgust. Cold.

Sunday: My friend is off to China soon. It's quite a trek for her Christmas shopping as there are only 46 days left. Actually she's going over there for work, doing good deeds for children - Father Christmas, without the beard. The other traveller, my youngest brother, has made it to Kentucky on his bike. The witty boy wrote that his next meal will be a bucket of chicken. Rain.

Next week: The office, this week, is subdued. We're full of sugar after Halloween, Diwali and Bonfire Night. The extra weight I have been carrying didn't seem to matter until the memo about the Christmas party. Ah, the chance to look all glamorous in a sparkly dress, make-up and fabulous shoes. Now to eat lots of salads to fit into the dress. I wonder what Ed will wear? Something knitted? Storms.