It’s certainly been very windy down here in the southwest, and we thought we might be a little vulnerable as our house faces directly down the road along which the wind comes off the sea – straight at us. Storm Darragh was forecast and Darragh arrived and it certainly did give us a buffeting, but fortunately, very fortunately all was well, and apart from a few things being thrown around in the garden nothing has been damaged. Thankfully it isn’t cold either, so we’ve been very snug and had a lazy day.
I guess I was entitled to my lazy day, but I always feel as if really I ought to be doing all the things I know need doing – and after the last week there are plenty of those. Last week saw a massive change in our lives – a family member has returned home, and much as we welcome them, we’re not exactly so welcoming to all their Stuff (with a capital ‘S’) of which they have unbelievable quantities in all categories. We had already cleared out a lot of our things in the spare room, and tidied the bedroom they had when they visited and rationalised various other places to accommodate them – but we had massively underestimated what they had and how much of the furniture in their previous accommodation was theirs! No matter, we’re delighted to have them with us, even though we hope it is a temporary measure!
Next, our new arrival’s partner came to stay for a short holiday – wonderful to see them again, utterly charming and lovely. Because they won’t be seeing each other at Christmas it was decided to have a mini version of the festivities – a Christmas dinner with everything you might expect including crackers, a mince-pie and tot of whisky for Santa Clause and a carrot for Rudolph left on the hearth, Christmas stockings and presents round the tree! Yes, it was really lovely – but oh the tidying, preparation (and panic) oh the wrapping, the dinner planning, the cooking etc, and obviously the washing up! Our guest is a delight, and and it’s nice to see them again and share our Christmas traditions and celebrations, but I guess because we usually lead a quiet life with the two of us, it’s been somewhat exhausting! So the new arrival (and their Stuff) and our visitor has meant our quiet and ordinary lives have, for the moment, become hectic and crazy!
It has also meant that I have missed several days of writing here, but all is now well, and normal service (after a fashion) has been resumed.
My featured image shows where we shall be heading shortly, as long as we aren’t blown away!
Lois Elsden 