This year I had the oddest holiday experience: finding out that my first QOTD was being issued whilst abroad with intermittent Internet access. I was really pleased that I had, after many years, started contributing a little more but felt guilty that I wasn't there all day to respond to any queries regarding the question. This summer (or there abouts) I also had my first editorial published. Do these count as fun things? Not sure that they do!!!

Apart from that; time with family, meeting a friend for the first time in 14 years tomorrow (he now lives in Colorado, USA whereas I live in rural England) and a Progressive Supper in a couple of Saturdays time.

A Progressive Supper is done in couples but (much like the Amazing Race - love that show) they do not have to be life partners (be it Mr & Mrs, Mr & Mr or Miss & Miss) so sometimes it is friends or, perhaps, parent and (adult) child. You receive two envelopes; one to open immediately and one to open when the course you host is finished (time on the outside of the envelope). In the first envelope you see which course you are allocated and will have to prepare it for your couple and two other couples. It will also state what time it all starts and, if the first course is not what you are providing, where to go for it. The second letter details where each of the couples attending your course needs to go for the next one (each to a different house!!!) or if it is after dessert then when and where the after party is at (probably The Bell in Eccleshall). This is a great way to meet people and have a lot of fun.