The local Thomas Christian did not sign up, but I have two meetings next week as a result of Sunday's Car Boot. Olly will be playing with Fatladysingh in a competition in Sheffield on Saturday and the Chorale has its first early service on Sunday morning.

I had presumed the University tango man was German, as that was where he had learned the dance. It turns out he's a Christian Arab from Bethlehem. I'll show him my Christmas sonnet to discover whether my distant view of Bethlehem connects with the reality in any way.

A cushy day yesterday, sitting on a coach to Shrewsbury and back with geography students; hence I had the energy, in the evening, to do tango for 2 hours followed by 2 hours salsa. Tomorrow it's English all day followed by choir practice and Maria's birthday party. Will Roger, the silent one, be returned from his honeymoon? I know so little of Roger and why his wedding involved the presence of the Bishop.

Life is pretty good, for all that I am, as ever, strapped for cash. I have lovely company and plenty of hope and determination to pursue all three of this year's aims.