Christmas

A great birthday yesterday though slightly spoiled by a car crash (more a bump) which upset my mum and knocked what was anyway shaky composure on a difficult day into something worse. Then the little b who was responsible drove away without leaving his details ...but I got his registration...and unless he was driving a stolen car he will be traced.

I see the story of the £400 million black hole in the capital budget has hit the headlines...at somepoint the administration will have to dump its NIMBY attitude to development, irrespective of the impact on local councillors in their local areas, otherwise our capacity to act will really shrink to £23 million.

Also, had a good meeting with Colin Hunter at WEL last week - really pleased to see things moving along steadily and competently. He is a good man and an able officer. The Board should be delighted to have him.

Today, I'm off for the very last of those 44 presents - the credit card had burned and bombed. I'll be glad to stop spending...at least for a wee while.