Monday 1 January 2018

New Year

And so the New Year comes in - quietly - this is the first time for many, many years that I have not catered for a house full and stayed up long enough to sing Auld Land Syne.   But gradually, over the years, one after the other, friends have died.   Starting with my dear farmer in March, I have lost six friends this year.   Put it down to old age.   And, speaking of old age, this year for the first time I just did not feel like sitting up and seeing in the New Year.   And this morning, when I got up and drew back the curtains, the New Year had arrived without any help from me, the sun was shining and apart from showers on and off all day, the sun has continued to shine.

I had a succession of callers and/phone calls, which was very nice.   Friend A, who lives just down the road, stopped to wish me a Happy New Year.   Then I walked the dog and shortly after I returned friend and neighbour H arrived - with a piece of coal to see in the New Year.   She stayed a while for a coffee and chat and then it was time for cooking my lunch  and the second walk of the day for Tess.

After a break I intend to return to Ukulele playing tomorrow evening, so after tea a practise will be in order. 

My bed has been stripped, aired, changed and remade.   This is no mean feat at my age as it involves a lot of physical exertion.   But it is done, the sheets are washed and are drying as I write and I have got a feeling of satisfaction that I have done it on my own without asking for help.

So as someone else said on a post I have just read - 'onward and upward' everyone.   2018 will not be a year for sissies - but then is any year?

27 comments:

Mary said...

. . . . . and YOU will definitely never be grouped with the 'sissies' dear Pat!

My best to you and sweet Tess - may 2018 be a better year, full of god health, good times and your always good friends.
Stay positive, relish each moment and love your great memories. We older gals should be enjoying these years, we've earned them the hard way.
Love and hugs - Mary

Sue said...

Nice to see that someone brought you a piece of coal, it will bring you luck!

angryparsnip said...

Happy Year of The Dog.
Yes, Tess you are the star of the Year 2018 !

cheers, parsnip and mandibles

Tom Stephenson said...

I almost went to bed before midnight, Weave, but H.I. wouldn't let me. I'm with you on NYE celebrations.

Joanne Noragon said...

I'm proud of you. My granddaughter occasionally must help me lift the corners of the mattress. Nevertheless, we go on. Best, best wishes for a happy new year for all us us.

Derek Faulkner said...

I went to bed at 10.30, I woke up briefly at midnight when the annual barrage of fireworks went off and then slept till I got up at 5.00 to see a beautiful full moon setting in the west.
Good luck for the coming year Pat, your courage and energy are an inspiration to us all and especially to me.
You'll not see too many comments from me from now on.

Living Alone in Your 60's said...

I tried to stay awake, I'm so full of flu and medication that I couldn't. It will certainly be a NYE to remember but for all the wrong reasons. Here's to a fighting fit 2018.

donna baker said...

We are of the same mind Pat. All the bedding was stripped yesterday, finished drying last night and I climbed into bed before midnight. The fireworks kept on far too late, but I have never been one to stay up to see in the new year. Figured it was already a new year somewhere. The lake out back is frozen and it is miserably cold, so I spent yesterday juicing all of my lemons from the greenhouse. Today, I'll be juicing the oranges. I guess I am lucky to start the new year with mundane activities. Hope the new year brings you much happiness.

Sue in Suffolk said...

Nearly saw the New Year in after all when I woke to crashing about in the spare room and found dear Polly had brought a sparrow in through the cat flap - at 11.15pm - thought all sparrows were tucked up safely somewhere by then!
Luckily after I had sat it outside on the window sill it took off and I went back to sleep.

janipi said...

Get that ukulele going for 2018. Music is good for the soul:)

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

The New Year rather struggled to arrive down here this morning. It was still barely half light at ten o'clock and most of the village seemed still asleep. Eventually a few dogs dragged their people outside and a few soporific cars passed through. Strange really; such a fuss about the new year but then once it's here no one seems interested.

yellowtulip118@gmail.com said...

I love your non defeatist and 'up and at 'em' attitude Weaver, and truly wish you and Tess all the best for 2018.

Simon Douglas Thompson said...

Changing my sheets and duvet is an absolute wrestling match, I'm terrible at it. I'm so clumsy.

Barbara said...

Your positive outlook is always an inspiration, Pat!
Best to you (and Tess) in the New Year!

Gerry Snape said...

I think your strength Pat s your wonderful positive attitude to life in general. We had a very lovely new year in our sons summerhouse...where he has installed a Swedish style wood burner...all our family were there. It was a start to what we hope will be a better year...our son was diagnosed with Cancer in March...keep being positive..none of us know what the day will bring....much love..xx

Beverley said...

Happy New Year dear Weaver. If I lived by you I would happily change you sheets for you and walk your dog. I hope the year is kinder to you. Bev

Gwil W said...

Low key here too. We, there were 5, didn't bother with auld Lang syne and barely managed two bottles of fizz between the lot of us. We had some tramezzini that somebody fetched round and that was it. Good night Vienna,

Midmarsh John said...

I stayed up. Not for any particular celebration but to keep Penny company as I knew she would be upset by the local fireworks.

Lovely to see the first footing tradition is still alive. I remember that from my childhood, including the piece of coal for a warm hearth.

Wishing you all the best for 2018.

justjill said...

I too wish you all the best for 2018. I have never really got to grips with New Year. Just another day. I tend to discuss what boring things we never got sorted last year! Altho quite pleased that the only one we didnt last year was the t.v. in the dining room had all its aerials blown awry by gales. Why does anyone need more than one t.v.anyway? Because one day we have to sell this house says the DP......with fully working everything.

Jules said...

My very best wishes to you Pat. We enjoyed a quiet time just like yourself. Here's to a positive year ahead. X

Librarian said...

We were at my sister's, just a small party of six, eating raclette, playing a game and then at midnight, watching the fireworks from the balcony and toasting the New Year with champagne. Now I am just glad to have the whole week off with O.K.

Heather said...

I allow the New Year to come in on it's own - I can't stay awake until midnight any more. I hope 2018 is a kinder year to you. Enjoy your new friends and neighbours, be kind to yourself and take each day as it comes. Happy New Year.x

thelma said...

Happy New Year Pat and may it blossom into a more peaceful time. X

liparifam said...

The New Year started out interesting here in Atlanta, Georgia - freezing weather here across the southern US, record-breaking lows being reached all over Most unusual, but fortunately not concerning as our highly intelligent President tweeted that this obviously proves there is no global warming. Sigh - hello, 2018...

Theresa Y said...

Happy New Year to you and Tess...

Shawn said...

Happy New Year, Weave! I hope it is a healthy one. I stay up until midnight only so I can text each of my children as the year changes. I used to phone them, as my mother did me, but it's texting now. I'm sure the year can see itself in perfectly well, but the last time I didn't stay up late enough, I awoke to find that Trump had been elected. I won't do that again!

Jennyff said...

Happy New Year Weaver and Tess, I hope 2018 is joyful, calm and peaceful.