December 2008

View from my front step 2.12.08

1st December 2008
Well here we are the final month of the year 2008. I remember the build up to the millennium that doesn’t seem that long ago, its rather frightening how the years fly by. I have started organizing Christmas but its taking a great deal of effort to get motivated. I was so happy to post my overseas cards before the last posting date. Missed the surface mail again this year so I must get myself a reminder as its quite expensive otherwise. I expect there will be a many tightening their belts this year with the increase of fuel, food and utilities. I know I am very careful with electricity but I wont be skimping on heating as that is asking for trouble. But I have turned the thermostat on the central heating down a degree for the time being and wear socks and sweater in the house. My youngest son Stuart had his Fortieth Birthday last week, it seems incredible to me that I have three children over Forty. But still its only a number, all three look much younger than their age. I have stopped counting years its irrelevant, its how you look and feel that matters. Keeping the body and brain active is important ,if you don’t use it you will lose it. I try to pace myself but sometimes thing take over and then I have to stop, have a couple of days chilling, then I am up and out again.
I have been shopping for Christmas gifts it is so difficult for me as I agonise over what is suitable for any given one. I should start earlier and I used too when the family was at home and I was working full time, but now I have little interest in shopping. Thursday I found my way to IKEA in Ashton Under Lynn what a journey, the rain was pouring down and I was on the motorway for ages. The directions I had confused me and after taking a number of wrong turnings I eventually saw IKEA miles from where I expected it to be. Enjoyed the mooch though, it took me  hours to walk around the store. Bought eight items unique to IKEA and enjoyed a  light tasty meal, so I was happier on the way home. I have lots of Christmas Outing and Parties in the weeks leading up to Christmas , just hope the weather holds up. We have had some really bad frosts and it was very foggy for 24 hours at weekend.

2nd December Look what I woke up to this morning, snow 4 inches deep. It was certainly a surprise the weather bureau hadn’t prepared us for this. It was lovely snow , powder dry just like we used to have when I was a child. I really enjoyed clearing it off the drive as it was so light and easy to shift. By lunch time the rain had reduced the roads to a mush and I think by morning the snow will have gone.