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We had a turkey dinner last night for Thanksgiving. I felt sorry for Americans in the UK -- all their loved ones at home were having a day off, watching the football, eating nice food, having presents etc. while they were just facing yet another regular November day in Blighty. Cold, wet, dark, having to go to work. Sobs. But we staged a little bit of a holiday feel, which was very nice indeed and an indulgence on a Thursday. It was also actually not a bad idea at all to be encouraged to be thankful for things (although not necessarily for the arrival of the Puritans); this has been a tough and challenging year in so many ways that it threatens to overshadow the fact that it has also been entirely lovely.

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A very dank and misty morning out throwing balls for the doglet. This was at about 7.45am -- still little sign of daylight. It all looked very beautiful and calm -- save for the insane dashing about of a French bulldog. Anticipating the final series of The Killing that starts on Saturday.

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At the end of a really busy / gruelling week, and just preceding total grimness in the form of multiple viral infections, we had a lovely family birthday weekend. Everyone came up to Scotland for a cosy couple of days of eating, drinking, walking and exhibitions. We had beef pie, and a gingerbread cake (so the doglet could have some) and went to see the Rembrandt exhibition. I can't find a very good reproduction of the oil sketch at the centre of the exhibition (here); in reality it's gorgeous and moving. The candlelight glows out and you can sense the weight of Christ's body and his attendants' dismay. Although a very sad painting, the colours and the feel of the exhibition was perfect for a November visit with the family crew. Unfortunately, subsequently I was very ill and felt utterly pole-axed. I need sleep / vitamins / rest / time / a new job...

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The Jack o'Lanterns, finished! I apparently got the name wrong last time... Here they are, one like a 70s smiley face and the other, of course, to represent the doglet -- who was present for the whole carving and took great interest. This is our first year on the ground floor, so we put them in the window and we had some trick or treaters. But these little guys just wanted to tell jokes (carefully rehearsed), only having the sweets as an afterthought. Like little music hall performers.