Minced Pies

We now have our other 2 grandchildren staying. Here they are busy making mince pies in the kitchen with my wife. They tasted very good, but there a few left.

Cyber attacks

From my own limited experience, I know cyber attacks are a real threat.

According to the BBC the UK Foreign Secretary is to warn Russia that the UK will retaliate if the Russians are guilty of cyber attacks that threaten national security. I am sure most governments have a "dirty tricks" department. Some get caught. It is the nature of 21st century warfare.

See www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-42450479 .

Reflections

Anglesey Abbey, a National Trust property about 4 miles from here, has beautiful grounds at any time of the year. A few days ago it looked very "wintery" as the photo shows.

Bury St Edmunds

We love shopping in this old Suffolk market town (Bury St Edmunds). Strictly speaking, it should be a city as the abbey has had cathedral status since 1914 according to Wikipedia. We especially like the market that has some real bargains. At the moment it has a bit of a Christmas theme!

See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bury_St_Edmunds

Snowdrops out

These snowdrops were out at Anglesey Abbey yesterday.

Daffodils and snowdrops

Most months we visit Anglesey Abbey, which is about 4 miles away. The daffodils, which were out in November 2015 are just coming through. Another 2 weeks and these will be out. We saw the first snowdrops out. Things seem much later this winter. Blink and it will be spring though!

Fuel prices

Looking at commodity prices, it looks like the wholesale price of oil is moving upwards. At the moment prices are well below prices a few years ago, but the trend seems to be upwards.

Expect higher pump prices in 2018.