Wind, rain and ice creams.

We didn’t stay up to welcome in the new year but outside we heard distant fireworks amongst the sound of the wind and rain, but nothing more.

We walked by the sea at Emsworth in the morning, along with many others. Some were in large groups of family, others were alone or with a dog. The mix was pleasing and interesting. Some of the cafes were open and we were surprised to see that ice creams were a popular treat to celebrate New Year’s Day. We didn’t partake, unfortunately, but did return to a warm dry house with food on the table.

Later I wandered to the allotment and did a little pruning of the gooseberry bushes - a prickly job and possibly a strange one for New Year’s Day but nonetheless worth it to keep the plants productive. Meanwhile Andy and Merlin relaxed on the sofa watching a film. I find it hard to find films that are compelling enough that I wish to sit and watch them. Instead I prefer factual programmes including a number of You Tube channels following the lives of real people.

And so that was New Year’s Day in our household. A low key affair indeed.

Grateful today:
- To wake up feeling ready and able to walk by the sea.
- A cosy dinner of jacket potatoes with cheese and tomatoes.
- For an interesting programme from a priest living on an Italian hillside.