My pets are weird.

They are the only creatures on my road who are pleased that United Utilities are digging up the gas and water mains to selected properties.

For everyone else, this means disrupted gas and water supply. Yep, cold water if you are lucky and don't bet on that. Apparently all the nasty freezing cold and mucky stuff will start tomorrow.

For my barmy crew, it means a big muddy hole at the side of the house (oh joy of joys to a pair of scruffy terriers) and some visitors.

My mum has been brewing up for the workmen and letting them use the loo. My pets are lovely to strangers and only get stroppy with family. The workmen are so pleased to get decent tea and not use the portaloo, they have joined Bailey's fan club.

The cats have been keeping a sensible distance from the mud pit but it hasn't stopped them playing mind games with the dogs. The dogs can only get to the pit if they go out through the front door, they can't squeeze through the back gate into the passageway that is now Mudpit Central.

The cats can squeeze through the gate and make much of the fact. They do it too often to be coincidence; there is definite malicious intent.

Actually, Gromit is now very old and frail. Well, it sounds more sympathetic than nearly-past-it and scrawny. He probably could fit through, but Bailey the Barrel would never make it, and you've got to be loyal to your species, haven't you?

That is probably the real difference between cats and dogs; the cats wouldn't give a stuff if one couldn't join in, they work on majority rule.

I'll be going to the gym a lot more in the next week or so. At least I can get a shower there.

Start off the New Year totally confused...

by the announcement of Matt Smith as Doctor Who.

Well, he's had a bit of spare time since they ended Granada Soccer Night last season, but isn't he a bit busy with The Championship on Sunday mornings? And what about the European games he's allowed to present, and the contract with ITV?

Can you be a footie presenter and a Time Lord at the same time? Some areas just don't lend themselves to that sort of crossover.

Wrong Matt Smith...

But they did choose to make the announcement on the same day as the FA Cup 3rd round ties. I had my mind on other things.