December has arrived, the tree and candles are all in place , space cleared in the attic as the 'gift wrapping room, presents being gathered and cards written .
 Usually I juggle this with the directing of the children's Nativity play , end of term assessments and teaching tired, excited children who just want Christmas Day to arrive . So, given that I am no longer responsible for any of these things why do I not seem further ahead with the prep? It's a complete mystery as to how I ever fitted it all in . 
Little Boy Blue in the picture is wearing his cuddly, soft white fleece which makes him look even sweeter than ever it's the inner to his waterproof coat which he wears for all his watery adventures, of which there are many. He spent ages pulling this large bottle of water around while we gathered all the things that we need when going on an expedition with small child and dog. He brings such joy!
Our days are really busy at the moment and all seem to flow into each other , we aren't walking as much as were and that takes its toll in all sorts of ways . 
I had a lovely walk and talk with one of my good friends on Tuesday which gave us both a boost . This morning we had a long video call with our youngest son so that LBB could see his uncle Nat. it was lovely to be able to hang out together .
I'm trying to arrange a trip to see my dad and also work out how to get gifts to various family members who live outside of our area. I imagine that most of us are facing the same challenges and dilemmas. My biggest worry is inadvertently causing someone to feel left out or less valued, there are some many people who are emotionally fragile as a result of the pandemic and many folk  are less resilient than normal.
It all seems a bit of an emotional minefield in this season of advent .
I did something today that felt rather foolish in retrospect, i wanted to buy a copy of 'Big Issue,' but I hadn't got any money just a card and so apologised for walking past without buying one. However the vendor produced a contactless pay machine and said that they had been provided with them as so few people are carrying cash . So I swiped my card , got my magazine and headed back to the car where Dave was card a sleeping LBB  . Then, I  started to panic thinking that maybe it was a con, made worse by the horrified look on Dave's face . Anyway , I have checked online and it is something being trialled with Big Issue Vendors as a way of enabling them to carry on in our increasingly  cashless society. Dave can now go and unfreeze the card, it feels like a happy ending to what has been quite an emotional day . 







 

  




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