Twixmas limbo............

Right.

That's it.

I've had enough of Christmas now and am keen to move on to pastures new.

The week between Christmas and New Year is traditionally the one week in the year when I get to work on my own miniature projects unhindered but this year is different primarily as we are going camping with friends for New Year.

Yes.

Camping.

I've just checked the forecast and it will apparently, after the windchill factor is taken into account, feel like -9 degrees.

So a bit on the nippy side.

Before we go we will have to get some red-bottled calor gas which doesn't freeze. We learnt the hard way a few years ago, when camping in sub-zero temperatures and our blue-bottled gas froze solid, and so we had no heating. We won't be making THAT mistake again.

No by no nonny no.

Small Dog, who is always up for a spot of camping, has already started on her packing, which consists of all of her fleecy jumpers, her coat and her all-in-one pyjamas. Not to mention BOTH of her fleecy blankys and her little hot water bottle.

I am lobbying to take a spare duvet and will be scouring the sales tomorrow for some thermal pyjamas and bed socks.

However, despite the prospect of freezing to death, I am sure that we will have a good time. The campsite is fully booked, which means that there will be dozens of little impromptu parties breaking out in caravans and motorhomes all over the place, and we will even be hosting a few ourselves. Our little campervan will be decked out with twinkly, sparkling lights and made as warm, cosy and welcoming as possible.

As a boney fido Scot I will of course, be observing the traditional Hogmanay rituals. We will be taking a piece of coal, not to mention a bottle of excellent single malt and will be going 'first footing' in the wee small hours of New Year's Day.

All in all, the whole endeavour sounds like an excellent antidote to Twixmas limbo..........