I often feel the blogging challenges require a glass-half-full approach as I realise the commitment is to write every day, at which I have missed the mark by a significant margin. Had I not had the challenge, however, I doubt I’d have managed to write as many posts as I have. With Christmas Day being late in the week, most people and businesses have downed tools, if not literally, certainly mentally and metaphorically, and thus trying to achieve anything significant this week is like pushing water uphill. And with reason: this year has felt turbulent and scratchy and I for one am happy to batten down the hatches in my little loft room and immerse myself in films, family, and food.
I love planning for new year but I’m resisting the temptation to tackle that until January, although I have chosen some paint for the next section of my room decoration. I also want to reupholster my little Facebook-marketplace sofa which fits perfectly in the allowed space but is covered in a nasty leatherette. Cushions and a sheepskin have transformed it into a comfy spot, but I’d love to see it in a decent fabric – one which is enhanced by a liberal peppering of yellow Labrador hairs as it is definitely on of Ned’s favourite snoozing spots, and he wanders around aimlessly with a look of disgruntlement whenever anyone visits and decides to sit on his sofa. Even if the person skootches so he have have enough room to lie down, he grudgingly curls up with a “I mean I normally have the whole sofa but I guess you won’t be here for long” expression on his face. Either that or he just tramples on whoever is sitting there: here he is with his spaniel best friend, and his Dogfather:
Today I’m starting to prep the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals as my daughter is coming over on the former for dinner and the latter for breakfast. I am also doing some art with my son as he’s been challenged by a friend to draw a Peregrine, so thanks to the wonders of FaceTime I can give him some tips and keep him company as the last time he drew anything was about twenty years ago. My middle child is still recovering from flu which has really knocked her for six, bless her, but she’s making steady, if slow, progress. I’m still helping my dad migrate over from his ancient laptop to a MacBook which anyone who has always worked on Windows will know, takes some getting used to. He’s doing really well though, and I think he’ll find it much more straightforward once he’s found his way around. I hope it helps him increase his computing confidence in the same way his bike has improved his fitness and general outlook. My parents both now have [electric] bikes, and it’s great to see them getting out and enjoying the Cuckoo Trail even with the short days and cold weather.
So, I will now wish all my readers a very Merry Christmas, and thank you for taking the time to read, comment, and like my posts. I’m hugely grateful for your support.
I’ll leave you with one of my special moments from this year: a few minutes I got to share with a Downy Emerald dragonfly back in May.
