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The other day Finch broke my necklace. It wasn’t just any old necklace. It was the necklace Big Dreamer gave me when Wren was born. It has five little stars on it, one for each of us. I wear it all the time, never take it off. Finch was play-fighting, made a grab for me and accidentally snapped it.

“I’m sorry Mummy,” he said.

“It’s okay,” I said sorrowfully. It wasn’t okay.

He ran downstairs to Big Dreamer. I heard him say, “I broke Mummy’s necklace.”

“Oh dear,” said Big Dreamer. “Did you say sorry?”

“Yes,” he answered. “But it’s okay cos she’s got more.”

There was a long pause then I heard Big Dreamer say, “Finch mate, here’s some advice that might just save your life. When you’re bigger and have a wife of your own, never ever say it doesn’t matter cos she’s got more.”

Our Christmas tree is up. I’d been putting it off until the last minute after the traumas of last year. That tree barely stayed upright for more than twenty minutes and I never did find some of the decorations that went missing. As is now a family tradition, we headed over to Dartmoor and bought a real beauty from the Dartmoor Park Rangers. We also headed to the same twinkly-lit barn we always visit for some sausage sandwiches and mugs of hot chocolate. This year we were joined by a little robin who hopped around under the tables picking up crumbs. On enquiring about him the café owner said they can’t keep him out. As soon as their backs are turned he’s found his way in again. It must be richer pickings than the hedgerows outside, and I can’t say I blame him. There weren’t many crumbs to be had from under our table I can tell you!

Another of my dry-point prints above. Not quite sure what’s going on with her ear.