The Mistletoad

I am staying in St Albans with a family containing children. They are the cousins of GGF. This is a first - I seem to be being slowly introduced to some sort of conventional life and there is no knowing where this may lead.

The weather is beautiful and I made sure I went out early, alone and frolicked in the midday sun. Nobody was about. For over thirty minutes, I heard no car, no airplane. I took pictures and felt happy in the silent woods.

I have really enjoyed exploring various avenues of monetary possibility over the last month - I didn't make much, about ten dollars - and with this flippant fun, the year draws to a close. I feel a sense of satisfaction that I set myself the task of changing theme and staying more-or-less on topic each month. My sense is that it grew me as a writer and occasionally, as a blogger. I am still astonished that Five helped one of my fellow constituents vote in the UK national elections. I am thrilled that I managed to write two short stories, and greatly flattered by the kind responses I received for my efforts.

However it is also fair to say that I have a few times ignored two of Mr Saraiva's Seven Golden Rules for Success by completely wandering off usual topic, namely, numbers one and two, which are: Give the people what they want, and, Don't give them what they don't want. You are the people - I think I can tell from my log files as well as the comments what went down (and is still going down) the best with readers. So, coz I is funky, determined to please, and skillful - as any lover will testify - I will endeavour to provide more of what people want in 2006.

I will not continue with my theme-per-month annual theme however, as I think it has served its purpose. And now, I must run to the table as they are serving the porpoise.

Mmmmm! How I love the flavour of intelligent sea mammal with a chestnut stuffing...