2013 Creative pay it forward........

Good morning, all! My daughter is on her way to Cambridge this morning, my son is on his way back to Poole and uni, and Mum and I are relaxing in the sun here at home with the washing machine whirring away. And my daughter vacuumed the house before she left. I am one appreciative mother! 

Yes, you heard me correctly. There is sun at this very moment. Sun makes me smile. So, because I am smiling, and because I saw this fabulous idea yesterday on Facebook, and because I am all about spreading the JOY here at RCR, I am adapting it to include my blog. 

"‎2013 creative pay it forward ....

The first 5 people that comment (on my status) here will receive from me, sometime in the next calendar year, a random gift - perhaps a book, baked goodies ,candle, or surprise! There will be no warning and it will happen when the mood strikes me. The catch??? Those five people must make the same offer in their own (FB status!) blog "

That's right. The first FIVE people to comment will receive, at some time during 2013, a gift for me. My timing, my choice, my delight. The catch being that those five people must do the same thing on their blog, or their Facebook status in 2013. Got it?? I have no idea who started this off, but I got it from a friend, and I love the whole idea of passing it on. Whoever it was, thank you so, so much!

Now isn't that the best idea to start the year? Spreading some happiness? I can't wait to come up with some surprises! If you are in the first five, please email me your home address so I can actually get my gift to your doorstep! lal50atbtinternet.com and use the proper @ sign, of course. Just think - so many of us could be the recipient of surprise gifts in 2013. And that really does bring a huge amount of joy to my heart. 

So off you go and enjoy your afternoon/morning/night!

PS: I suddenly thought that some of you don't have blogs or do Facebook. That is not a problem. Comment anyway, and then just send 5 of your friends gifts this year. Everyone can take part! I should have thought of this. I am so sorry!

Food shopping......

I seem to be doing quite well for a new year. Three days and three posts. I suspect that this may be a fleeting thing however, as the year gathers pace. You will be thrilled to know that the huge pile of rodent killer I put in the shed is gone. I replaced it. I wouldn't want my (hopefully ex) "rat" to go hungry, now would I?? We will check again tomorrow.

We (Jean, Mum, Diana and I) have just done our Lidl followed by Waitrose run for the week. 4 cups of free coffee/tea is excellent. Diana thinks groceries here are much cheaper than in NZ. Interesting, because I think ours in general are pricey, unless you know where and when to shop, and what for, of course. The quantity of food - fruit and vegetables - on show is also comparatively huge. It is amazing how much I  take the displays for granted now, although I do remember a time when we first arrived which almost reduced me to tears. I needed some potatoes, and in South Africa, potatoes were potatoes and you never questioned the variety. They did everything. And there I was confronted by a bank of different names of potatoes, and in those days they didn't have what they were used for on the instructions. I didn't have a clue what to buy. It was difficult to find out, because people thought I was a bit crazy not to know.

Now I know.

It took years to work that one out.

We also get all our fruit and vegetables all year round. I looked at the sweet potatoes, and they were from America. The pineapples were from Costa Rica. The bananas from Ghana. I remember the times when the supply of fruit and veg was seasonal, and how much we looked forward to the first strawberries etc. I am very aware of the food miles, and try to buy locally and as seasonally as I can. I have butternuts and gem squash still stored and most of the other vegetables and apples I grew are now frozen. So the crop continues to supply us with delicious food through the winter, at the very least.

And we have 2 local farm shops where I buy fresh eggs as well. And then my favourite garden centre, which has the ice rink and the fabulous butchery and grocery section as well. Sigh. Every now and then I get something special. I love knowing of a butcher who is happy for you to hand him a photo of a dish, and who will prepare the meat and give you step by step instructions as to how to cook it. Brilliant.

And all this talk of food is making me hungry. Maybe a piece of that blueberry cake, I think......

Fireplace warmth......

My DVD of the fire has arrived, and Mother and I have been sitting in front of the TV watching the flames flicker and we love it. And the crackles and hisses and sparks just add to the whole Fire Experience. I swear you do feel warmer. Actually, I think that it relaxes you beautifully and so you don't feel all tense and therefore you get warmer. Or something.

WHATEVER.

It works! I can watch a fireplace in my lounge without having spent all the money to get a real one. For now. Genius, Vee!! And thank you, David (for the Amazon voucher) - I love my Christmas present!

It is wet outside, and decidedly chilly. My diagnosis of ignition coil failure in my old car was spot on. Bob, my mechanic angel, arrived early and he and I both knew what was wrong. And we only had to try 2 before we found the one which had died. I do not wish to have this exceptional car engine diagnostic skill. And he did ask, in pointed fashion, when I thought I would be getting something new(er). It is coming to that sort of time, I fear. But it goes! And that horrible little engine warning light which means STOP!! is no longer flashing at me in that annoying way.

So the daughter headed out to wander round some shops, and Mother and I sat in front of my fire.

I may be mentioning the fire quite frequently.

Heaven help us all the day I do get a real fire. I may never stop talking about it. I may even have to call the blog Reflections from the Fireside or something similar.

I love fires.

One can safely say that the fire is bringing a huge amount of joy into my day.

The delight was rudely disrupted by Diana screeching "Mouse! Mouse! HUGE MOUSE!!! GIANT MOUSE! RAT!! RAT!!" at the top of her voice. She was standing at the kitchen window when she saw something large and grey and rat like just outside on my potting table. It took off, of course, followed by David and me. I was brandishing an umbrella. My weapon of choice. It had vanished. But, armed with industrial strength rat killer, I gingerly opened the shed door and poured a copious amount onto a dish and slammed the door. I then, aided by David, piled even more into the nooks and crannies of the garden and under the potting table. If it shows up and dines, it will die. Excellent.

And then I had to call my friend in Scotland back on the phone, because I was talking to her when the daughter started screeching, and I slammed the phone down to go and investigate the rodent. My friend may have thought we were being attacked by some ferocious animals.

You may remember that I loathe rodents. I am not sure that rats have any decent reason for being alive, personally. I may be wrong. But I can't come up with any valid reason for them to exist, so I will use all means necessary to dispatch this one. And any relatives which may or may not be accompanying it.

I like to be thorough.

On a totally different note - your comments and messages have been so fantastic, and they have left me feeling all glowing and embarrassed, but thank you all so much. You are so kind. And it means a huge amount to me. I am just one woman making her way through the minefields of life. Isn't it funny how our lives take such amazingly complicated twists and turns at times? I am willing to bet that none of us anticipated the way things have worked out over the years. Each choice we have made, or made as families, couples, etc, has set us off on an even more unique path. Maze.

I seem to specialise in the intricate twirly swirly kind. Think Christmas tree lights before they are untangled. All I can say is that the path is interesting. The scenery different. No time to get bored. And you are all very welcome to hop aboard and join me on it. (I suddenly have this picture of a mobility scooter with 20 of us piled on top of each other.)(I have no intention of getting a mobility scooter so I have no idea where that came from.)

Anyway.

I think I should go and check the rat poison levels.....................

Hello, 2013!

Happy New Year and welcome, 2013!!

We celebrated the new year by gathering in the lounge at midnight to watch the London firework display, so I could do my annual "Let's take photos of the TV to keep" thing. We have a lovely view here in the warm house, although I have to say, I would love to be there one day to see it all for myself. In real life. The theme was a celebration of the Jubilee and the Olympics and Paralympics. London shone. The city was at its very finest last summer, and they did the whole country proud. There were so many smiles and it made such a wonderful difference. And their fireworks last night/this morning were spectacular. 

So we ooh-ed and aah-ed and I took the photos. And then everyone crawled into bed.

See? I can take photos of the TV screen. Getting close enough, without kneeling and without getting the reflection of the lights on the tree was a mathematical moment of brilliance. And without blocking the screen from the others.

Oh, London, I do love your skyline!

I have decided to keep my word as "JOY" for this year. I am reading a wonderful book called "Do you know who I AM?" by Angela Thomas, and that, coupled with Ann's story today confirmed the decision. I am going in pursuit of joy each and every day and I will find it, no matter where it hides from me, and then there will be the laughter which follows and the sense of peace I know will come.

So JOY it is. Falling forward, not backwards. Looking ahead, not behind. Using the mistakes of yesterday to keep plodding onward. And this so suits my nature, which has always been positive. Not an hour ago, I was looking in the fridge, at all the scraps of left overs for something to make for lunch. I heated some sausage rolls, and saw the packet of blueberries in a back corner, so I hauled out all the ingredients and made that wonderful Pinterest cake. 

We have just eaten a third of it. AND it is delicious. A triumph. That makes me smile.

I must say that having no transport over the holiday period is not great. There are places my daughter would love to be and people she is so keen to see and the car has to be fixed first. Public transport is not great around here during holidays either. I am having to practice patience too. I hate being without a working car.

 However, she did do all the dusting and polishing this morning - the sun shows up all the dust and the grubby windows and.......... I can't see it on the grey days, of course! Did I mention that 2013 has started with the most beautiful sunny day? The skies are blue and it cheers the spirits immensely. A really good start to the new year. 

2013............. I wonder what you will be bringing. Anticipation. I am waiting in anticipation of adventures, and laughter, and resolutions and fun. 

Joy..............

 I forgot my word for the year for 2012. 

Probably somewhere around the 5th January. I am a star. So, I went in search of it in the January archives, and discovered it in my last year's State of the Nation Address. And what is more, it is a simple short word, and I have it all over the house.  It is also Mum's name, and I STILL forgot it! And, after reading last year's end of year effort, I decided that I have turned into a grumpy old woman. What happened to the woman who wrote last year's post? 

She seems to be MIA. 

My word was JOY. 

And that is when I realised that I was an idiot, because you see, somewhere along the line, I also forgot to consciously look for that joy. To go in search of it. I was so busy paddling in circles, trying to stay afloat, that I lost sight of it.

Joy. A little word of three letters. With so much meaning. I almost feel like keeping it another year. Now I remember why I bought the little red word and put it in the nook. Now I remember why I have it up in scrabble letters. 

Hey.

I am human.

I forgot it.

So let us hope that I do better in 2013.

I do believe I will re-read a couple of the Mindfulness books which line my shelves. To remember how to focus on the small things and see the world through wide open eyes. I sometimes miss the beauty of the small things under my nose when my focus is on the horizon. The distant. The far away. 

I am still a dreamer, you see. 

Oh, you would laugh.... Yesterday, I saw this question posed somewhere - What is your greatest achievement of 2012? 

What? 

Achievement?

I need an achievement?

I nearly had a panic attack trying to come up with something. Every single thing I could think of was small, insignificant, and totally useless. Well, I thought so. Crochet? Toss it over the shoulder. Piddling. Doll's clothes? Ditto. Full tins of biscuits? Sigh. Clean windows? Groan. Standing Christmas tree? Don't be ridiculous. Garden? No. Not in 2012. How about "I survived"? Don't be dramatic, Linds. 

Achievement. Accomplishment. Success. Plaudits. Medals. 

I even asked my sister. 

Something measurable. Visible. (If only to me.) (Insert much drumming of fingers on desk) (Insert even more dramatic sighing.)

And then I remembered the nook. Oh Eureka! Something visible! Tangible! Pretty! Never mind that friends had a great many hands in it too. I am happy to share the collective praise. The nook! My achievement of the year! Well, that and the new study and the organisation of the sewing room. And then I was on a roll. What about the UFOs and WIPs that have been finished. Yes, add them to the pile. 

I have an achievement. I can rest. 

Sometimes you cannot measure things in your life only in terms of achievement. Sometimes, just the everyday enjoyment of life, the laughter and the pottering is enough. Is contentment an achievement? It may be fleeting, but it comes now and then! In all seriousness though, I do not see achievement in and of itself as a goal of mine. That implies success, recognition, and all the hoopla. Let's be frank here, that is unlikely to happen. Mind you, I did once dream of being  serene. It was just a dream. 

So I will not be worrying about achievements at all. Not now that I have found something. Actually, what does concern me a little is that for the first year I can remember, I have not been able to cross off something from the List of Things To Do Before I Die. It is a comprehensive list of many things from books to read to seeing the Aurora Borealis. And this year has been a slow year. I may have to add the nook to the list and then cross it off. Hah. Genius. 

Actually, what is even more concerning is the fact that I couldn't come up with a Best Song or Best Movie in the "Best Of" list either. I have only seen one movie this year. In a cinema. That would mean a new current movie. And I haven't listened to a great deal of music either. Music and I have been having a love/hate relationship lately. 

I need to make a few changes around here. 

New Year's Resolution #1: Do things. 

That is enough, I do believe. Oh yes.............. and remember the word of the year this time. I am waiting a while to see if I am meant to keep "Joy" for another year. You will be the first to know, believe me. 

Linds's State of the Nation Address............

So, does anyone know where 2012 has gone? The speediest year on record, I think. Or maybe that is just because I am discovering that Mother's words of wisdom are, indeed, founded on truth after all. Time speeds up as you get older. And there is no doubt that I am getting older, I am sad to say. But, it is reassuring to know that it happens to us all. You too. No-one escapes time.

It is a little disconcerting when you realise that the entire world is ruled by children people younger than you. Ministers, presidents, doctors, policemen, the lot.

I woke this morning with my right hand clenched in a fist which did not want to unclench. I have no idea why. Something new for me to examine with a certain horror disdain. Fingers, you will obey commands. I remember my Dad sitting with a squash ball which he used to squeeze to work his fingers but, so help me, he was a great deal older then than I am now.

You creak when you grow older.

This is turning into a new version of Lamentations. I need to get a grip.

2012.

Twenty twelve. Twenty Thirteen doesn't trip off the tongue so easily. Or is that just me? 2012 started well with Jean joining me for a couple of weeks in the snow up in the Alps and then medically, it sort of slid off a precipice. So we will ignore that part of the year. It did mean huge changes to what I did, where and when and how too, for that matter.

2012 is also the year in which stellar friendships have become so much more precious. The people I cherish have been around to prod, poke, threaten and restrain this year. And to laugh and have fun. Thank God for friends, especially mine. And family. My Mum, my sister and I are very close, and more than ever this year, that closeness has proved to be invaluable. Families are so easily taken for granted, and yet where would we be without them?

This year,once I had accepted that the CRPS had flared and spread, instead of worrying about everything and thinking of what I couldn't do, I tried to focus on handing all - every single one - of those panic stricken thoughts over to God, who is more than capable of coping with them. (For me to admit a mega meltdown is really something, by the way. The wheels really did come off.) And so I concentrated on making the most of each day and what I could do instead. So tough at times, and yet it worked. Works. As a born Grand Controller, this has been a bit challenging.

I also seem to deserve the title of Grand Understatement Utterer.

I just made up that word.

Another moment to dwell on is that this year marks the first time in recent years that I actually asked for help. The experts at Bath had to field some unexpected calls from me. But they were all I had. They were the ones who knew what was going on, when I was up the creek without a paddle. And heaven knows I was. Up that creek.

Actually, I can't ignore the fact that it has been a turbulent year, can I - the medical matters have bearings on every single aspect of my life. Like church. And music. I can't sing with our village choir right now. Vibration. Sound - it all knocks me off my feet. I have managed to Make a Plan at church with earplugs (thanks, Kelli!) standing on a kneeler on stone floor, sitting on a special fold up seat on the pew with feet on a huge soft cushion. But I go. I can be there. And I can do coffee duty with Jean.

The aquarobics and aquazumba classes continue to be a delight. Three times a week I get to dance in the water, and I am just like all the others - I am free. I love, love, love it. It is hard work and it hurts, but it is so worth it. Glynis, who has had her own mega medical issues this year, and Jean, who has morphed into a global trotter this year, are usually there with me.

So, my world has been reduced to a physically small one, yet a mentally huge one, courtesy of this aged computer, the modem and the World Wide Web. And all of you. Skype. Facebook. Blogs. Messenger. Texts. Smart phones. All things science fiction just a few years ago and now common place everyday things even 3 year olds manage to work. For people like me, they are gold. I can be all over the world in an instant, and believe me, I so appreciate the advances of science and technology.

My world has the dimensions I dare to let it have, you see. I choose to interact with people around the globe, so, in fact, I have no borders. I have learned so many new things - creativity has always been a huge part of me. No matter what I want to try - like new recipes - it is all right there. I have information at my finger-tips. I can edit photos, turn them into works of art, I can write a million words. I can read trillions. I can buy or sell. I can learn, sing along, laugh till I cry, and no more can I, or anyone ,say that they didn't know what was happening in Syria, Africa, India, around the globe, because the news is right there. The information.

In fact, there are times when information overload just makes me want to retire to the too-hard-basket and crawl in and shut the lid.

While we are talking re information overload, I am sitting here, watching the news and wondering if I am the only person in the UK who is seeing a weird anomaly right now. The US is about to tumble over the "fiscal cliff which will lead to immediate higher taxes and spending cuts and that means a return of the recession" and our PM says on the same bulletin that "the spending cuts and welfare cuts (and our very high taxation) are the RIGHT thing to do to avoid a triple dip recession". So why is it right here and wrong there? Huh? Am I missing something?  Ignore me. I am not looking for a political conversation here, but I am intrigued as to why our news editors have not seen the contradiction. 

Politics. I swear not one of the politicians has a clue about how most of us live. I am not wildly thrilled about being ruled by millionaires who have never had to peruse the bargain shelves of the supermarket for vastly reduced food either.

So how about we ignore all the above, the nasty part (except for the friends, family etc etc etc ), and look rather at the lovely part instead.

I finally got the house organised and the new study, the nook and the sewing room are wonderful. Eureka! Oh, how I love being able to work at projects and have everything I need right there. And seeing friends and/or family sitting in the nook is a huge delight. See - having friends who come and paper and paint and fix lights is a blessing too!

The greatest joy of the year for me was having all my children in residence this Christmas, and Mum too. The first time in many, many years. Not to mention the little one, who is a "BIG girl now, Moregranny!". Of course she is. She will soon be 4, can you believe. A very girly girl, with her long blonde hair, her babies, her new Barbies, her love of the Little People, ironing boards and all things pink and blingy. Baking and dancing and having fun. Oh how I love the scrap!

Diana is home at the moment, and hearing her laughter just makes me smile. I don't know how long she will be home, but it is wonderful having her here. I can see her feet as I speak. She is sprawled on the couch. And she sounds like a New Zealander at times, which makes me grin. And upstairs is David, home from uni for a couple of weeks. He leaves on Friday to finish his Masters degree. And how he has matured this past year - helping my sister and her husband, helping here - getting to know a different campus, town and group of friends and specialising in a part of forensic science which really fascinates him. This year has been good for him.

And my oldest son - Andrew. He and Ann have had a Year of the House. Changing things about, making it really theirs. Leaking showers helped to speed the progress. The new bathroom wasn't anticipated right now, but had to be done! And it is lovely, of course. Soon Missy will be starting school - next September, can you believe. Ann works part time at the moment - she is a teacher. I am really looking forward to the ballet displays, school plays and other assorted granddaughter activities which are sure to be part of the new year.

Ah yes. And here we are. Me. I am happy. I have a home, and I have ordered a DVD of a fireplace. This is how I have chosen to use an Amazon gift token from my youngest son. He thinks I am crazy. So does Diana. BUT given the absence of a real fireplace here, I am more than happy to have a DVD of a real fire with the crackling sounds playing instead. Stop laughing. Vee says it works. Vee has one and so I decided I needed one too. I will let you know when it arrives. I can't wait.

I didn't know what to do for Christmas presents this year, so I turned to the sewing room, and the saw, and I made small gifts for everyone. And I have been SO thankful that I have the world's best stocked sewing/craft room ever. And when I was with my sister, I managed to find textile glue as well, and now I am set for anything. Pinterest has been an inspiration, a revelation and the most wonderful source of ideas. So many things I fully intend trying. Paint lasts for decades, by the way. Wonderful.

So you see, it is not the end of the world that I can't gallivant all over the place any more. I have stuff here. In fact, I have been asked to teach the basics of sewing to the daughters of some friends, so maybe that can be a part of 2013 as well. There are books, of course. The next dream purchase is a kindle. I have been downloading books which are free to the computer and one day they will go on a kindle too. It is so worth checking the free list, because often people like John Ortberg, Philip Yancey, Francis Chan and others have offers of free books. I have been so lucky to download some amazing ones. Free. I love free.

And I have a pile of books to read as well. The  CRPS means concentration is very short and fiction is still hard to read. Impossible. I forget everything. I may try a few audio books and see how they work. That reminds me, I did try a relaxation tape on my iPod, and I got as far as the 6th minute where you are letting your fingers relax and I fell asleep. I have no idea what the rest was like but it clearly worked.

This is turning into a lengthy treatise.

I do have adventures, and after Jean's wonderful gift of 12 adventures this year, one a month, I know for sure that there are definitely going to be some in 2013. I need to make up a seasonal list. So much fun. And don't forget the garden. 2012 was challenging for gardeners after the drought then the floods, but the allotment was amazing and I still have gem and butternut squash here in store. So there will be lots to plan and do and watch growing.

This stage of my life seems to have a great deal of watching and growing in it. I watch as Missy grows. I watch as the vegetables grow. I watch as my children grow. I watch as relationships grow. Flowers grow. I have done my part, and now comes the watching, and wondering too, if I have done or been enough. As a gardener, a mother, a crafter, a friend, a daughter, a writer, a sister, a woman, a Jack of all trades. But that is part of looking back and life is all about now. Today. The present. The future remains a mystery, as it should. Who knows which highways and byways I will plod or dance along this year? God knows. And whatever happens, it will be an adventure of sorts. And I am always up for adventures.

Just ask Missy.

So, my friends, enough for now. I just want to wish each and every one of you  very happy New Year. 

May 2013 bring you all wonderful adventures too!

The Best of Everything 2012..........

I was driving home this morning, after a mad dash to get to the bank before it closed, in the torrential rain, when my car suddenly started spluttering and gasping, and emergency STOP!! lights started flashing. So I crawled home, tossed the shopping bag into the house and took it around the block with fans and radio off, so I could listen to the sound. It is either yet another ignition coil (probably) or a part of the exhaust.

Meet Linds, aka Mechanic.

Maybe not.

I am very well acquainted with ignition coils, however. I even have a spare in my storage compartment in the boot. Trunk? It is weird having to translate perfectly good English!

Anyway.

So I stomped into the house muttering about cars and how the world was grey and dismal, and how 2012 had been a disaster and a great many other things, and re-heated my cold coffee. (See? The world conspires at times.)  And, after leaving a message for my trusty car-angel, Bob, I scrolled through Facebook, and came upon Ann Voskamp's link to her (in)courage post about listing the Best of 2012. Books, songs, jeans, movies, risk, beauty find, link, you name it - anything. ANYTHING.

I just checked. At this very minute, there are 1557 comments, all listing something good which has had significance in the writer's life during 2012. From beauty tips, to devotionals, to gizmos and to recipes, best friend, challenge, drink, best thing I didn't want to do but did anyway, and the list goes on.

I defy anyone to read just a few of those comments and not to grin and start making a list of their own, and I have scrawled all over my desk notepad here. And I am still smiling.

Yes, I have a gratitude journal and yes, I write in it all the time. The lists are long and full of memories, but this - this is a different way to look at a year which , for me, has meant more physical challenges, more emotional challenges, more intellectual challenges and every other challenge you can think of and which has needed more prayer and patience than I thought possible. I am becoming a master juggler.

Here are some of my Best Of Everything of 2012 answers then.

Best book: Doing Life Differently - Luci Swindoll - I loved this book.
Best recipe: - Pioneer Woman's Apple Dumplings, which are village favourites now, as well as a firm family favourite.
Best Beauty find: Naked eye shadow by Urban Decay
Best gizmo or tool: The blade scraper thingy to get paint off glass (I have small paned glass doors) which I found in Geoff's toolbox. Wonderful tool!
Best devotional: Jesus Calling. I cannot tell you how often this has been seemingly written just for me. I love it.
Best risk: Flying to my sister, even though I knew the vibration of the plane would seriously hurt me. (Vibration triggers waves of pain.) But I got to spend a little time in the mountains, and I survived the trips there and back.
Best gift: Having my daughter home - I haven't seen her for two and a half years. AND having all my children here for Christmas this year!
Best drink: Black coffee. Costa's is my favourite at the moment!
Best meal: Lamb cooked by my brother-in-law. Perfection.
Best teaching blog: Attic 24 - all I know about crochet ,I have learned from Lucy. She has such clear tutorials, anyone can learn!
Best lesson: To be thankful no matter what life throws at you.
Best indulgence: Having my hair cut regularly

So many things and so many more already springing to mind. You know, my days are ordinary - I potter around here at home, in my garden in the warmer months, and in my sewing room. I play with the wood and the saws, I paint, I dream, I write and I read. I listen to music, I watch some TV. I crochet or quilt, or sew tiny dolls clothes. I love being here in my home. I am never bored. Nowadays, I have to listen to that P word. Pace. I have to pace myself, so everything takes a lot longer than it used to. Days, at times, but that doesn't matter any more. I have learned to listen more closely to the demands of the body. Stupid thing. I don't have to like it, do I. Just listen. Hmmm.

And then there is the gym and the aqua and sometimes, pilates classes. The head massages Glynis does. The adventures with Jean. The coffee with friends. The popping in and the walks and the allotment and the games we play trying to live frugally and to grow as much of our own food as possible. And flowers. Everyone needs flowers in their lives. And church and music. With earplugs, kneelers to stand on and other bits, but I get to be there, and that is what counts.

My children. Here there and everywhere. Skype. Text messages. Phone calls. Cameras. My Mum - she is a marvel at 87! My sister. Friends. In Real Life and Friends Far Away and Blogging Friends.

Life is so different now.

In fact, we - I - forget that the Internet is still in its infancy - just a decade or so old. It seems to have been here in our homes forever, but suddenly I can hear that old dial up sound. Do you remember it? Not so many years ago. So much ease of communication. Science fiction has become reality without us even noticing.

But I am digressing into what was intended to be my end of the year speech chat. So the rest can wait. Have a wonderful and relaxing weekend wherever you are, my friends. I will be back.

Another wet and grey day in Middle England........

The news of the day is that 2012 is officially the wettest day since records began. We know that. I have never been as damp in my life, and seem to have lived in the waterproof jacket which was never intended for constant use. Oh well.

Isn't it typical - at the start of spring, we had a hosepipe ban after the driest winter since records.....etc etc. It began AFTER we had all planted drought resistant gardens, and bought extra water butts. The ban, that is. And the day after it came into force, the heavens opened and lo, the waters poured forth day after day after day......

We are blessed to have so much water.

We would happily share it with drought stricken parts of the globe.

Drought resistant gardens do not thrive in monsoon like conditions.

So the moral of the story is just plant stuff, and then water if necessary.

If one can ever get the green stuff off the paving slabs and kill off the slugs, which (according to the news) have multiplied in humongous numbers. I believe in slug pellets. I do not like slugs and they can go next door if they want to, but come onto my turf and you will be HISTORY, slugs.

I am quite sure I didn't intend to chat about slugs this morning. I am awake and up early because daughter had to get the train at some unreasonable hour, and therefore needed a lift to the station, which was deserted. I gather all London offices have stayed shut all week, because we are in the commuter belt here and no-one seems to be commuting, judging by the empty car parks. And the extraordinarily cheap ticket.

So I may gather strength in a while, and take mother to visit a couple of shops.

Since the wee one departed, I have failed to take any photos, because I have done nothing exciting. Just pottered about and tried to get the fridge under control. I gathered up all the leftovers last night, popped them in a pot with some stock and made soup. It had to be modified quite a lot, because I overdid the stock bit, but milk to the rescue and a spoon of sugar and we were good to go. I liked it, anyway.

The washing continues to add a unique ambience to every room in the house, and so help me, the laundry basket is full. I am trying to ignore this fact.

Later.......

Well, since I hammered out the above post, I have been in to town with mother to check out some sales, buy some bargains - did you know the 99p shop has a half price Christmas sale on? Four Father Christmas hats for 50p? Haha. We will have hats for next year. Well, 4 of us will. At 12.5p each one can't lose, now can one?

Panettone £1.50 at Wilcos. Bargain.

Now I need to go and hang up more washing, defrost something for supper, tidy the kitchen, younameit. This is to stop me from wandering through Amazon's corridors adding to my wish list. Oh I do love wandering through Amazon's corridors, don't you????

Linds's Christmas 2012 Pt 2...................

Part 1 is down below this post - so it would be better if you scrolled down and read that one first!

iPads are wonderful things. Granny was doing a crossword puzzle here, ably assisted by grandson #1. (It is Ann's iPad, by the way!) She cottoned on very quickly. Maybe everyone needs iPads. Maybe I need to win the lotto too. Sigh.

- I decided that I really needed - wanted - to have some family photos, because heaven knows when we will all be together again, in the same place. This is not an easy thing to do when the family members are not altogether thrilled by the idea, and the small granddaughter is not only not thrilled, but vehemently opposed to it. Loudly. Think wails and screeches and much gnashing of the teeth.

My daughter-in-law, was, however, very happy to oblige, and that meant my kids all took part. You can see how excited they all are, can't you????

We came up with a wonderful way to get some photos, at the very least, when our friends arrived for coffee and mince pies yesterday morning. I handed over the camera, and asked them to take some of the grandchildren with Granny, and also to try to get some of the family in vaguely the same spot. And to try to get Missy included one way or another.

A tall order.

But success!!! Of a kind. At least we are all there! I could post all the wild attempts to get some co-operation from the 3year old, but you can use your imagination instead.

And then Diana played with the timer and we have a wonderful photo of all of our extended "family" together. Just Missy who went awol. 

The Christmas cake was duly cut (I sent some home with A and A, who left shortly after the marathon photo and mince pie session) and it tastes delicious. 

Did I mention that my 2 girls, Diana and Ann kicked me out of my kitchen on Christmas day after we got back from church in the morning, and they did the cooking?? Or that I poured too much brandy over the Christmas pudding and had to hit it with a spoon to put out the flames as I served it? Or that the cinnamon sticks are still missing after our hunt for them to make mulled wine on Christmas morning? (Ann and Google did a fine job anyway!) Or that we ate so much we all needed naps after lunch? Or that the lights on the bottom half of the Christmas tree went out yesterday morning, and I had to get David to grab some more old ones from the loft, which we tossed on on top of the decorations? We need the tree to stay lit till the 6th January - 12th Night. Mum took ages untangling them. She has the patience which I am sadly lacking. 

And here we are..........

Diana is in town looking at all the shops (and the sales) and Mum is making another blanket for the homeless from the wool stash. David has been fixing this computer, and me???? Well, I am very tired. 

I didn't tell you that the tumble drier bit the dust did I? Yes, I think I did. Then the toaster expired and a piece of the microwave fell off. The house looks like a Chinese laundry with things drying all over the place. 

But I have had all my family under one roof for a few days and we all lived to tell the tale. And it was good. Very, very good. 

There are still times, though, when I wish they were all little again, and...........

Linds's Christmas 2012 Pt 1.........

I really did mean to pop in and wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and to say that I hope you all have a wonderful time with your loved ones. 

Had. 

I never actually made good on my intentions. So here I am to say just that - I hope your Christmas was filled with laughter and love and that you all made some wonderful memories together. 

I had my home overflowing with my family for the first time in 5 years. 

It was noisy and loud.There was laughter and also squabbles. We are real here, people. I didn't raise my kids to be doormats and they most certainly are not. So it was a typical family Christmas! 

The girls - Diana, Ann and Missy - went ice-skating,and after a slight hiccup when Missy refused point blank to set foot on the ice, they managed to turn the penguin around and she stood on his feet as they took turns to whizz her around the ice. Andrew, Mum, David and I took photos and watched, and then retired to the restaurant and ordered hot drinks to thaw. They had fun. And that was what I wanted. 

My house is not big. In fact, it is small, but it seems big when there is only me, or only Mum and me. Add all the family, and it seems tiny. Thank heavens for lots of wall sockets and space to spread out a little, minding the toys as you go, of course!

On Christmas Eve, Missy's little friend popped in to play for a while before we all went off to the crib service  here in the village. Missy wanted to be an angel (every child can join in as angels, shepherds, kings) and she was not going to be dressed in her white dress. No. We were going as an angel in a shocking pink princess dress instead. Pink angels are quite acceptable. She had a wonderful time with her friend. They seemed to go for a walk in the middle of the tableau, but that was also fine. It was hilarious when the shepherds, and then the kings, paraded around the church - by the time they reached the front there must have been about 14 shepherds and 20 kings. Excellent. 

And here is my daughter with our friends, K and M, suitably attired in their outrageous Christmas jumpers. Ann was gutted - she wants one too! 

The family really liked the nook, and all our dinners were eaten here, except for the Christmas dinner, of course. 

The village square is closed to traffic on Christmas Eve, for the carol service out in the open. Up to 3000 people go each year, and the rain, thank the Good Lord, stopped for the singing. I don't actually think it would have kept anyone away though.

People everywhere as far as the eye can see. Lovely music, and great singing. Now if we could just get the young lads to stop their noise and join in properly, it would be wonderful. Diana and I went down to the square, because the rest wanted to stay in the warmth and get one excited little girl into bed. After she helped her Auntie Diana to write a letter to Father Christmas, and put out his mince pie and drink, and a carrot for Rudolph, of course. 

After the carols, there is always a firework display in the church grounds - and taking firework photos is not my best talent, I am afraid...............

And then we popped in to see some friends so Diana could catch up with their visiting family too, sipped mulled wine in front of their fire and munched mince pies too. Wonderful.

Once home, and after the world had gone to bed, I got the table set for Christmas dinner............

And I happened to be in the background when Father Christmas did his rounds and dropped off some parcels for all the good children in this house...........

And then, I headed for bed, under the tree. The next post will be a continuation of Linds's Christmas 2012....... Pt 2.