Is it inevitable that we look back on the old year before the new year starts? How has it been, did I achieve what I set out to do? On the whole I think we had a good year – no deaths or serious illnesses, the usual ups and downs of life with school-age kids [...]

I’m a great believer in doing something nice for myself if I’m feeling a bit under the weather. It usually isn’t anything very big, but it always has to be something that I know will improve my day. Sometimes it’s a bubble bath with scented candles and a gin and tonic to hand (this is [...]

I have officially given up on 2010.  After yesterday’s shenanigans my plans to downhill ski, try a little cross-country skiing and generally be a happy outdoorsy person over the next few days have gone out of the window. Instead I’ve turned into a hobbling around old lady with a very sore lower back who can’t [...]

It’s dark outside and trying to snow. Today is my birthday and I should be up and enjoying myself, but I slipped on the ice this morning when I was fetching the post and landed very heavily on my derriere. One time I was glad that there is a fair bit of padding – so [...]

What a great Christmas we had. Everything worked out just fine and the approach of having no plans, no parties and just a quiet relaxing time seems to have been a hit. I’ve been so lazy that I haven’t even managed to finish the socks I’m knitting, but maybe I’ll get there today. We’ve really [...]