We had a nice day in Glasgow – no need even to think of productivity, although I did get those presents wrapped in time. Paradox hadn’t been thought of, this time last year. This is her first Christmas, and she thinks it’s great fun. She was a very great help.

Helen drove. Archie and Fergus and I were the passengers. Utter luxury. Good weather, too. Alexander and his family took us out for a rather delicious Chinese lunch. Then they all went off to Loch Fyne – the boys’ term is over, and Ketki seems to be free of banking duties. And we came back.

Despite Paradox’ having assumed the role of the Cat Who’s Always Where I Am, and who sleeps with me at night, Perdita’s is still the anxious furry face which greets me when I get home.

 I now have two unscheduled days in which, at least, to lay in a good supply of cat food for the festive weekend.

The borders of the shawl advanced last night with no further disasters – and the cardboard is showing through, around which the second ball of yarn is wound.

And the big knitting news is that I’ve had an email from Kate Davies to say that my yarn has been dispatched – that is, the samples of her new tweed, to go with the new yarn club. She had last-minute trouble with the supplier. I’ve sort of forgotten – one of the colours was short. When she was able to start dispatching yarn, she started with those of us most distant. If she’s worked her way all the way down to Edinburgh, the job must be very nearly done.

I’ll write again tomorrow (insh’Allah) just to record a high-fives for the passing of the solstice. And perhaps I won’t be able to resist telling you about the yarn, when it comes. Otherwise, I think it’s time to knock off until I get back from Palermo.