Call Me Mother

A Happy New Year to You and not simply any old new year either. I have decided to make this the year when I determined live the truth that “Life is an adventure, not an endurance test”! So, with that principle in mind, I have already embarked on several escapades.
My long-considered trip to York has finally taken place. (Twenty years in the making but hey I would hate to be accused of rushing things!) There were distinct similarities to Shrewsbury and having a kindred spirit for a travelling companion as well as the expertise of an ex-Sheriff of York as a tour guide made the time particularly special.
Closer to home, I am determined to complete essential decorating ready to turn my hand to some major re-pointing of garden walls and even the house itself. Whatever happens will be positive as I remember my motto for the year – even if, sometimes, it will be through tightly gritted teeth!
Have a blessed one.

Completely overwhelmed by work throughout November and December and only leaving the building after 5pm on December 23^rd, I was too exhausted to even contemplate Christmassy thoughts or expectations.  How wrong was I!

We had a particularly special season which included a memorable portrayal of Herod the Great by my youngest.  Imagine a combination of Abernazer, Emperor Ming and Yul Brynner as the King of Siam…  There, you have it!

The end of the year inevitably leads one to reflect upon the last 12 months.  Wow!  What a year it has been.

Thank you to all of you who have been in touch.  Your encouragement and support has meant a great deal.

Take care of you and your loved ones.  Count your blessings and remember to find joy in the small and in the simple.

Wrapping up snugly and lighting wood burners on a daily basis for heat and not simply cosiness can mean only one thing!

Assailed by howling gales, the fascias on part of the house have suffered damage.  A little miffed, I am, as the original Victorian ones managed to last well over a century and the new PVC covers have not lasted half a decade.  Breathe!

Added to the local difficulties is the emergence of trees and the “C” word earlier and earlier each year.  What is this all about?  We can barely enjoy each month because we are being rushed headlong from one commercialised enterprise to another – and that does not even take into consideration the whole “Black Friday” phenomena which has swept the nation.

I am officially old, grumpy, nostalgic for simpler less commercial times – and revelling in the company of other like-minded individuals.

The jumper which I have been knitting for most of the year for my second son has finally been finished.  I now know why I ran out of wool and had to find a complementary colour (don’t even go there!).  We use the term “jumper” loosely as it would encompass a baby elephant and still leave room for the inhabitants of a small commune – simultaneously!

Enjoy your preparations and find time for you.