[Gordon Steadman]

Ah the dinner......the one thing we do to celebrate the season. We have never been into the whole present giving and card sending ritual but the scenes from childhood still linger in the imagination and somehow it still seems right to have turkey or goose for christmas lunch.

Normally, I do all the cooking but am quite happy for Ronnie to take over this year. She is probably a better cook than me but hell, I have to do something around here!

Shop bought turkey with spuds and sprouts from the garden and home made pies and puds washed down with a copious amount of liquid refreshment will do very nicely thanks. Any other activity is banned by my surgeon, damn him so it's probably down to reading or watching a decent film if such could be found. I suppose we could overdose on Lord of the rings or Pride and Prejudice.

Off to make the pastry for fresh mince pies tomorrow - much better straight from the oven. I won't tell the Dr if you won't! At least my shortcrust is better than Ronnie's