Happy New Year

Hoping you all had a good Christmas. We really enjoyed ours and it seems to have gone by really quickly.

Does everyone wait until twelfth night to take down their decorations? Mine are now beginning to annoy me and I'm itching to start taking them down. At least I'll see the New Year in first.

I'm always a bit twitchy about the start of another year as I wonder what delights it has in store for us this time.

Halfway through this year, I lost an older friend to cancer and just before Christmas my long term blogging pal, Irene died of it too. I am missing both of them very much.

Does anyone make New Year Resolutions?

This morning, one of the Radio Bristol presenters said he was going to speak to everyone he met with a suitable greeting such as "Good Morning".  I thought that was a pretty good idea and thought I might adopt it.

However, as I was walking out this afternoon, I realised that might not be such a good idea as I live in the city and rub shoulders with dozens of people who might think I'd gone potty. I'm going to adapt that idea a bit and speak to at least two people I don't know each day and try to be cheerful to them.

What are you going to do if you've made a New Years Resolution?

Christmas Greetings Everyone.

I've had a very hectic few weeks as we've had to travel 17 miles to a hospital in a neighbouring city so that Harry can be assessed by a neurologist for tests with a view to having a shunt in his head to drain off the excess fluid that is pressing on his brain. This might help him to balance better and improve his quality of life.

He has decided to go for the possible operation and has signed the papers already.

However, in order to qualify for this, he has to have further tests done which might mean an overnight stay in hospital beforehand. However, because we haven't any transport and he cannot get into any vehicle unaided, we have to reply on the NHS ambulance service which does make a very long day when we have to go to these appointments. They are always very kind, though and I don't know what we'd do without them.

The possible operation is a ray of hope for us to cling on to.

I've also been to my granddaughter's nativity play at her school where she had an angel part this time. I really enjoy going to these Christmas activities and I also attended a concert that my daughter in law organised for all her pupils (adults and children) she teaches. They all were very high standard flautists (flute players). Some had not been learning for very long at all. 

Millie, my youngest granddaughter recently did very well in her grade 2 examination. (Well, being a grandmother allows one to brag about the grandchildren, doesn't it?).

I'm looking forward to the Carols By Candlelight Service at Church tomorrow evening. 

 We want to wish you all a very Happy Christmas. We're determined to enjoy ours and look forward to my daughter and grandsons spending a good few days with us over the Christmas period.

Merry Christmas, Peace and Goodwill to all men, women and children.

Dual Carriage (way)?

My two granddaughters are of dual heritage (Anglo/Japanese) and strangely enough, most of their favourite friends over the years are also of mixed race, in various forms. They obviously feel akin to people whose parents come from two different lands, even if it seems to be at a subconscious level.

It really doesn't seem to have bothered them in any way, but as my youngest and her friends are now nearing ten, there are obviously some questions being asked.

My friend, Audrey, recently told me that nine year old, Ruby, who is a beautiful coffee colour, began to ask her, "Mummy, am I black or white?"

Audrey explained in depth about Ruby's mixed heritage and thought, well that was that, as she seemed satisfied with her answer.

However, Ruby was later overheard to be saying something to her sister that included the remark, "......after all, I am dual carriage."