So, at the time of writing, Christmas/Yuletide was just over and we were ever inching towards 2026. Christmas this year was quiet – father-in-law is in respite care, my eldest in Norwich, and the relatives scattered. So the gathering was small-scale, intimate and cosy, only family and close friends.

A couple of weeks ago, we visited Hanoi – pleasantly cool (sweater/jacket weather). We then went up to Sa Pa and visited the Hmong people. Of course, I was inspired by their embroidery (actually, ...