Rhubarb Wine - Eighth Bottle (A3), 29th December 2012

Last night I played both Bridge and Monopoly for the first time in years. David, Amie, Zoe and Owen came over - they had double booked themselves for New Years Eve, and in fact had to shift someone else back to visit us. It is an intricate social life they lead.

So, having a family over, I brought out the board games and the rhubarb wine - an excellent combination. I had forgotten how riotous and long (in a good way) Monopoly can be. We started playing before pudding, and it was only when Claire noticed that it was past eleven and the sorbet had become a sticky pool of liquid that we declared the game a draw. It was a wonderful evening. I have not laughed so much for an age.

Redcurrant Wine - Fourth Bottle (2), 23rd December 2012

I like redcurrant wine. This batch is so much better than the last, and therefore the flavour is redeemed. It has a sharp, sweet taste - akin to acid drops, and of course it is a delightful colour. It goes well with vegetarian curries too: Claire has just bought a new cook book, and this has been a theme of our diet as of late.

Whilst drinking the bottle, David rang and it sounds like he, Amie, Zoe (who is now 14 - yikes!) and Owen will be coming to stay for New Years. This is wonderful news, as I don't think we have seen them for three and a bit years. Which is Too Long. It will be something of a crush, and we don't possess a trampoline, but I am looking forward to it immensely.