'Happy New Year!'

Well, this is going to be my last post for this year. I hope you have had a great Christmas and intend to see the new year in tonight in a fun way. As usual, Christmas Day was for me an essentially quiet day and one spent with just my Mum and Dad but I did get out of the house on the 28th as I was invited to a lovely 'Cheese & Wine Party' at my friend, Kate's house. The pics of me you can see here were taken that night by Kate...

Kate put on a smashing spread of delicious cheeses and 'nibbles' and I met some nice, friendly people - one of whom was even kind enough to give me a lift home afterwards.

That's what Christmas is all about!

Going forwards though I have to say that I fear 2020. My life situation

is not a settled one and I don't know how much longer I will be able to 'live in the little bubble of air' I have at present. I do not see myself working again in any paid capacity now and even when I was at work the most that I ever managed to earn in a year was £15,500. The National Average wage was over £25.000 then and now it stands at £36.000! If I could not afford to live then I certainly won't be able to now! New Years Eve is always an emotive day, which is why the tone of this last post of the year is somewhat 'reflective'. DO look out for friends and neighbours tonight and try to include as many people as you can in your celebrations. We all need some love and support sometimes and New Years Eve can be a difficult hurdle to jump if you are feeling lonely or helpless.

So, what would I wish for in 2020 if I could have my way? Well, on a personal level I would like some security in life and a return to better health. Just to have somewhere to call home that is MINE would be a HUGE relief and a weight off my mind. I think that a lot of the niggling health issues I am having are born out of stress and anxiety about the future as much as the fact that I'm getting old!

For the world in general I would like to see us all 'revert more back to type'. By that I mean be happy to be who we are rather than all try to 'fit in' with this culture or that culture. Whatever country you are in anywhere in the world should reflect that countries personality and culture first and foremost! It's not about being racist or 'against other people' its about 'home being home' and feeling like home! Sure, we all appreciate a kind smile and an invite to someone else's home but I would not dream of re-arranging the furniture or taking down 'offensive paintings' etc when a guest because it is not my place to do so! Let people be free again from all the ridiculous 'catch words' like 'inclusivity', positive discrimination' and 'diversity' and lets all learn to be proud once more to be different and celebrate our differences! Different can be good as well as bad, you know!

Oh well, that's my idea of 'a world in harmony' anyway. GOOD LUCK and GOOD HEALTH for 2020 and as the old carol says 'the fates allowing' I will be back again with more festive blogging next year. xx