Signs of winter

This morning, for the first time this winter, we had to scrape the frost off the car before we set off for the pool; the sun was rising, and the castle and cathedral stood out against great veils of rosy cloud.

I have opened the first door of the advent calendar, and there are Christmas puddings boiling downstairs: big Daddy Pudding in the pressure cooker, medium-sized Mummy Pudding in a saucepan and four little Baby Puddings in the oval Le Creuset casserole. Memo to self: buy another one pint pudding basin.

Two puzzles

Question: As my train pulled into Newcastle Central Station this evening, I looked down towards the river. Did I really and see a red neon sign reading 'ICONIC SITE'?

Answer: Yes, apparently I did. It's at the Stephenson Works.

Question: Walking briskly through Fenwicks, I was twice stopped by vendors who wanted me to try their miracle products for skin or hair. The young man with the skin cream was very insistent. Do I look like someone who buys expensive cosmetics in Fenwicks? No, that's not the puzzle, the puzzle is, why did no one try to press free samples on me in the chocolate department?

Answer: Life is not fair.