2019 Christmas Reflection

Nunc autem quid?

Well, I can now guess the inevitability of the trajectory we have commenced upon. I have found it so hard to even think about writing a letter, in which to reflect upon this last year. Though, as we all know it was to be a momentous year and of course it has!

Writing, as I do the morning the thumping news of victory for a man, whose presence in No 10 is an embarrassment on the world stage… enough!

For those who follow me on FB. Facebook to those who are still hungover – from last night! It has indeed been a most momentous year. We have holidayed beyond our wildest dreams. The Five Star all singing, dancing, ‘Another cocktail sir? Try this one!’ At our hotel in Mexico and then the intrepid explorations of our own; in sampling the delights and above all the culinary delicacies of an amazing country. We were so sad to leave, but the sun went down! 

 And just tagged onto this was the delight of visiting family in N.Y. But, then to engage in what must have been the biggest party on Earth – as NY rocked to the beat and tune of Stonewall’s 50^th Celebrations. It is simply impossible to convey the atmosphere. So yes, there is more than enough to celebrate!

The year's first venture for the love birds was Verona, a delight! And yes, it is romantic discovering hidden gems in the January icy air. Then came the usual jaunts across to both France and Italy. The dates for the bite of the Big Apple were governed! But what to do to celebrate six decades?

The year's first venture for the love birds was Verona, a delight! And yes, it is romantic discovering hidden gems in the January icy air. 

Then came the usual jaunts across to both France and Italy. The dates for the bite of the Big Apple were governed! But what to do to celebrate six decades? Magical places came to mind and eventually, it was decided – Mauritius! Once again the magic for Mark of getting away with another 5* visit! But, whose birthday was this! So once again a car hire ensued and off we took on ‘our adventures’ in search of the real Mauritius, wonderful people, idyllic places, memorable serendipitous days spent exploring, and of course the food! We also had a change of habit! Finding wine rather expensive we cut back on that, on the Island of Rum! I was even more delighted that Pope Francis must have gotten wind of our being there & he also graced us with his presence, being flown in by helicopter! So we graciously lined the roads with the throngs of peoples of all shades of colour and genealogy and no doubt religion, to greet him.

Do you know I think I am missing ‘Storytime’. It has always been a delight of one’s teaching career to reward children at the end of a day at the desk, with Story! Yes, and old enough to say, ‘I have thrown the chalk away!’ (Or have I ? I may get bored!). But I also ceased to be a school governor - which stemmed back to my pre-teaching days of standing for the local Lib Dems. Having served as a Governor for over 29 years. I think I deserve a rest from that!

But, the year belies the reality of my own well-being. I can best put it as matters unresolved in another life! Some of you know the reality and its on-going as I write and more maybe forthcoming next year.

I may refer to this year as the year of doors! A new door in Italy & two new doors in France, all adding to the comfort and pleasure of our Anglo, Franco, Roman triangle. And then there are the doors that have closed and no doubt those that will open in due course.

We have also undertaken changes hereto in Chester, as Mark increasingly puts his stamp on things!





My mother has been through it this year, having spent numerous weeks in hospital, sepsis and other wonderful delights of the palette of ill health. And frankly, we are still nowhere in getting to the bottom of things, test after test. They know more of what she hasn’t got, than achieving a satisfactory diagnosis.

She visited Brittany with us and braved the elements visiting The Valley of the Saints to meet St Guen. (featured.)

I have also a few of my ‘older friends’ who are engaged in the battles of accumulation of years. A lass who I was at Theological College saying to me pointedly: ‘Old Age is not for the faint-hearted.’ I guess it isn’t, but frankly, there is always too much going on in my life to begin to feel old! Though, I might conclude that I have started for the first time in my life giving myself time to read!

I also have a hunch that I may be given to writing this year, which will be the sum of much research that I have had to undertake this last year. I have the title! ‘The Unholy Safeguard’.

My guess is next year – I shall be writing never judge a book by its cover!

How could I forget Amsterdam! Fabulous revisit and meeting up with ‘old’ Dutch friends, who I have kept in touch with for more years than I care to admit. And I do believe the Queen Victoria sails out of Southampton January 6^th (Feast of the Epiphany & therefore light!) bound for Hamburg! So, on that note, I will bow out as we are staying well connected with Europe! May God Bless Her and all who sail in Her!

My guess is a lot of us will be drinking a little more this Christmas! We shall be in France with neighbours and friends. Bon Noël.

Delightful news - just in: My niece has just brought into the world twins – two girls.

Chris

Time to contemplate!

If you have got this far the Latin at the top means ; What now.