New Year’s Day 2025

It’s been the toughest decision I’ve had to make this year so far!  To swim or not to swim today, New Year’s Day, in Porty. There was even an offer of a return lift from door to beach in a car, but sometimes sense prevails and I opted out. It was  8:45 am, it was dark, it was raining, the tide was at its lowest (nearer Fife than Porty) and the rising North wind was onshore. My spirit wanted to go but my brain said you’ll regret the waves and trying to dress in the rain and cold, so pack it in why don’t you. I did pack it in and the subsequent heavy rain and sleet persuaded me eventually that I had made the correct decision.

To cheer myself up I went to the nearby Starbucks and had a coffee while looking out on a fast flowing river of rainwater water running down the precinct outside. There were few people about at 10:30. And it was hard to tell if they were coming home from a Hogmanay party or going to one. Umbrellas were much in use.

The day gradually improved after lunch when daughters 1&3 unexpectedly came visiting. I heard all about the 1’s cancelled travel arrangements to Cullen and 3’s  trip to Oman visiting my granddaughter and great granddaughter. 
 It was lucky that I had the heating on before I knew they were coming so that I could then persuade them to take off their coats. My family are so used to the house being cold that they usually keep their coats on when they visit. Some might see that as a deterrent on my part to keep them at bay but I hasten to add that it’s not the case-  it’s more to do with denying the energy company access to my savings.

The visitors have gone now, leaving behind some Cullen skink for my meal tonight………