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.

The best laid plans ...

The last few days have been rather different to what I had anticipated.

Late on Friday afternoon I received a phone call to say that the friend whom I was planning to visit yesterday was going into hospital so I "dropped everything" and spent the evening with her there.

Yesterday, I had lunch with friends (about thirty of us) - the original idea had been to eat 'alfresco' but torrential rain drove us indoors!! Nevertheless, we enjoyed a delicious meal of cold salmon with a splendid array of salads, followed by strawberries and cream.

Then, it was back to the hospital again; thankfully, she was more settled and beginning to respond to treatment.

Today, I should have been at a garden party but, unfortunately, it had to be cancelled at short notice due to unforeseen circumstances! As a result I have had a "domestic" day catching up with chores and then popped down to the hospital for a quick visit.

Who knows what tomorrow will bring?  I haven't got any specific events planned, but you never know ...

Returning after a long absence

Well, here I am - back again after more than two months.

Why have I been silent for so long?

At first, it was a combination of lack of time and slight writer's block - several drafts which were not finished before the topic was out of date. Then I lost my broadband connection for nearly six weeks! Total misery, being unable to research anything (how quickly one has become dependent upon modern methods), write a few words, check my emails etc.

Enough of grumbling - we have had some glorious weather during which I have enjoyed several afternoons in the garden with friends and a very pleasant barbeque.

A rather short post this time, but I am determined (all other things being equal) to write more frequently from now onwards.