End of the year...

Ralph is keeping me company on the sofa. Jon is bringing me drinks, and I’ve managed to eat a bit more today.

I want to make this a positive day, even though the last week has been not so. So I’ve had a flick through my blips from 2019 and wanted to celebrate the good bits again. Things that were a big deal for us, but what so many people take for granted.

So a wonderful 5 nights in a HOTEL (not a tent or caravan) with Jon in April to celebrate our 30th Wedding Anniversary. But not just that, to celebrate the achievements of those 30 years. That we have produced 3 beautiful, kind hardworking children, of whom I am beyond proud. That we have overcome some difficult times in those years, and those that have known us for all of that time will know it wasn’t just the recent jobs/house move, but repossession and job loss in the early 90’s when we had only just got married, that nearly did for us. We got back from that (god knows how) and moved on. We have never had much, we probably never will, but we have each other and have tried to provide a stable and loving a home for our family. Material stuff, big holidays and fancy cars aren’t essential for love. That comes from honesty, family and finding ways to enjoy time together.

So when our ‘children’ said they wanted a holiday as a family (but I couldn’t offer a week in the sun) they still said yes to a lovely week in The Lake District in a quaint cottage, in July. And we all had fun.

Our lovely friends and some family joined us for a party in Cromer in May, to celebrate the 30 years thing. It was a day and night to remember and we felt loved. Thank you to everyone who made it such a wonderful day!

Jon has been more than a knight in shining armour this year. He has worked so hard to build us a cloakroom this year, transforming the garage into another room. Put doors on the garage at mum and dads, and reroofed one end of their garage. Plus demolished the shed and erected a new one, and lastly fitted a handrail inside. He built me a pond, made our bedroom bigger by stealing Henry’s fitted wardrobe, and he supports me in whatever crackpot ideas I have!

Jon, Henry and I had a lovely week camping in Normandy, doing the historical sights. We saw all the beaches, memorials and the Bayeaux tapestry.

In November we celebrated my dad’s 90th birthday. He has had a challenging year health wise, and continues that battle, but is an excellent example of not giving up.

And what have I been doing all year? It feels like I’ve been at work 24/7 or travelling to and from it. That must change next year, as I’ve also had more illness this year than in the past. As much as I could, I’ve been at the allotment. It hasn’t been overly successful but I’m not put off, and will do even more next year. It is somewhere I had planned to spend some of this week, had things been different.

So next year. 2020. I’m going to try to think about myself more, and let my employer worry about my work. I’m most looking forward to reducing my hours in April to 32.

Wishing you the best year you can possibly make it. Enjoy each day, appreciate each other, and be thankful for all you have.