my on-line diary continued from the original .net website
January 2026 - Present
January 2026
I hope everyone had an enjoyable Christmas - trouble free and relaxing. Although it seems to be traditional, now, to overeat, overdrink and for children to get overexcited and overtired.
I remember having only one 'main' present and a few little things like a selection box of chocolates, and maybe a new pair of socks and some slippers, perhaps a toy or something and that was it. Now we seem to have a store full of gifts. Are they appreciated? Judging by the For Sale pages on Facebook and the like, no, for there are an awful lot of obviously unwanted Christmas Presents on there.
Some sad memories for me, too: my mum passed away on Christmas Morning back in 2009, it was strange not sending a Christmas Box parcel to my dear friend Mal, who died in July 2025 - or calling him on Christmas Day like I always did. And the husband of one of my daughter Kathy's friends died over Christmas this year - m ydeepest condolences to her and her family.
For myself, I had a lovely time from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day, because we had friends to stay with their three-year-old son. Christmas, I guess, really is a time for children. We tried our best to create some happy memories for him - the sort of memories that last a lifetime. I won't necessarily know if we succeeded. Depends on how long I stick around I guess! LOL
I enjoy Christmas because it is a rare chance to sit down and not feel guilty about not doing anything. My daughter (and Ashley Dad of the three-year-old) took charge of a simply scrumptious Christmas Dinner - we had a joint of local Devon Beef, given that a couple of us weren't keen on turkey. I must admit I'm not keen on a turkey dinner either - but oh, I do love cold turkey sandwiches.
But now 2025 has become 2026. I'll be 73 this April, and the 1st of January is the time for making New Year Resolutions - resolutions which, let's be honest, have usually been broken before the middle of the month.
I have two which I must stick to:
1) Get on with writing the 7th Sea Wich Voyage, Jamaica Gold
2) Go for a walk every day - even if it is only a short walk.
The difficulty with number 1: I'm stuck for ideas.
The difficulty with number 2: I hate the cold and wet. And it has been very cold and wet recently.
Roll on summer!
So meanwhile: Happy New Year to you all!
Lege Feliciter - Read Happily
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