Happy New Year! We undressed the Christmas tree yesterday – a mark of understanding that this day, Monday 4 Jan, would be the official start of normality and the end of the lull, even before twelfth night. Can I say how much I love the lull? Every excuse to rein in, relax and restore; I know it can’t go on forever – that things ending mean they don’t lose their power to happen again. But I will miss it.

I think it was helped that we’ve hit a cold patch in London, encouraging layers and fires and general huddling and cuddling. Although, of course, only in our family unit. There’s also been lots of walking – which has meant a realisation that 3/4 length trousers, of which I seem to wear a lot, have an obvious design fault – but where there’s a will, there’s a way – and an investment in socks – notably long, knee high socks to lessen draft – striped socks, bright socks, argyle socks – has solved the problem in a most norm corm but satisfying way.

(All pics Pinterest)

Viva la sock!

Laters, Kate x