A Scenic Route

The remarkable weather has continued for a few more days, albeit somewhat colder, but still wonderfully sunny.

This morning, three of us took advantage of this to visit a friend in the country; we were following vague and somewhat misleading directions and became completely lost. When we finally arrived, about half an hour late, we had travelled along country lanes and enjoyed some very pretty countryside much enhanced by the cloudless sky and brilliant sunshine - all the fields were coming to life and flowers were popping up in the hedgerows - definitely the scenic route.

After coffee and some interesting conversation which involved much reminiscing, we returned via the direct route but even from the main roads, we could appreciate the views and say that Spring had arrived.

Cold weather and even snow is forecast for later in the week, so I am pleased that we made the effort to go out today.

April 1st - All Fools Day

Were you fooled today?

Our local paper ran a spoof but made it so obvious that no-one could have been taken in: perhaps, in these litigious times, this is essential, but it does rather spoil the fun!

Joking apart, what wonderful weather we have been having. Last Wednesday, which was as warm as many a summer day, we were able to turn Afternoon Tea into an informal Garden Party - perfect conditions in lovely tranquil surroundings - thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.

My Lenten resolution has worked quite well and I have been feeling less tired which is a great benefit: many people have suggested that going to bed early is not difficult and therefore not a sacrifice but for me it has been and still is a matter of self discipline which I hope to be able to continue beyond Easter.

A rather disjointed post today but at least I am writing again!!

Lent

Traditionally, this is a time for abstinence; many people give up alcohol/chocolate, etc.

This year, I have decided to do something positve instead - I shall be going to bed earlier than usual - my target is no later than 2.00am (at other times, between 3.00am and 5.00am tends to be normal for me!).

New Year - New Start

A Happy New Year to you all.

The title of this piece is a statement of fact rather than a resolution.

2011 was a tumultuous year but I was able to have a quiet Christmas during which I spent a great deal of time thinking about the future.

As a result, I have taken some long term decisions which are already having a significant impact on my life: some aspects of this will probably become apparent as I write during 2012.

A very short post today, but more will follow ...

Torrential rain does it again!

Yet another event has been sabotaged by torrential rain.

Yesterday, what should have been a garden party and musical entertainment for about seventy people became an indoor event for a much smaller group of brave but rather bedraggled souls, wearing very damp clothes. The "bulldog spirit" prevailed and the entertainment went ahead. The audience participated enthusiatically and then we all enjoyed a delicious tea.

The uncertain weather seems set to continue for a while (typical British weather, some would say!) so I shall be keeping my fingers crossed for next Saturday when some friends are involved with boat trips and other activities on and around the river.

The end of the month, already!!

August 31st - I cannot believe this month has passed so quickly.

The variable weather has prevented me from getting out and about as much as I had planned and my garden remains overgrown but I have managed to get some of the other domestic problems under control and parts of the house look much better.

During quiet times I have been looking at some of the blogs which appear at random - I am amazed by the range of subjects covered - family life, beautiful crafts, delicious recipes, philosophy, politics, comparative religion, to mention but a few - and full of admiration for the uninhibited way in which difficult topics are discussed. What a talented set of people you are.

Today I have taken my first step into the world of ebooks: I downloaded Kindle and a selection of free ebooks to my computer. The whole process was much easier than I had anticipated and, although I cannot imagine life without traditional books, I feel that a new world lies ahead of me.

September promises to be a busy month but, no doubt, there will be some unexpected twists and turns ...

A rather mixed month

First the good news - the friend about whom I wrote in my last post has recovered sufficiently to return home where she is managing with the aid of carers - the drastic treatment which she underwent is keeping her problems at bay and we are hoping that the remission will not be too short-lived.

Sadly, however, another dear friend died very suddenly, without any prior indication of ill-health, leaving all of us, especially her family, "shell-shocked". A loyal and most generous person who was never afraid to stand firm and speak her mind, she is very greatly missed.

Meanwhile life goes on: attempting to keep my overgrown garden under control (the unsettled weather has produced an explosion of weeds etc.) has given me plenty of fresh air and additional exercise.