20th of December 2017.

Nick Heitner rings, saying he hopes to put on the hospital play at the Bridge Theatre next year,

and had I had any thoughts about the title?

Off the Cough, I suggest past caring, which I'm sure has been used, but will serve, if only for the

announcement of the season in the new year. As an early Christmas present, Bridget has given

us a cow creamer, which she has made. Unglazed, it's chunky and solid, andand striped black and white like a bovine zebra.

"'It's a delightful object, a convict cow,

"'and could she be bothered to make more and market them,

"'I'm sure they would sell for a substantial price.

"'As it is, it stands on the kitchen table, waiting to find its, or her, place.

A lovely thing.

31st of December.

Because some 25 years ago, the madness of King George was nominated for an Oscar,

around Christmas we generally get a clutch of DVDs,

soliciting votes for the next year's awards.

Today, it's Call Me By Your Name,

which has been much lauded,

so much so that when we come to watch it,

this rather gets in the way.

And it's somehow all too easy. Both the 17-year-old Elio and his older lover Oliver are flawless, but with no anguish to their affection. Nor is there any lack of understanding from

the boy's parents,

his father particularly,

...