Saturday, December 31, 2011

New Year's Eve 2011



Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
The flying cloud, the frosty light;
The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow;
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.

an excerpt from a verse by
Alfred, Lord Tennyson


And here we are, on the cusp of a new year with all that it promises,
each day anew.
We start out the year tenuously, well aware of early birthdays
that will see us twelve months along on this adventurous journey.

The small creeks that joined us to the river of life are widening out into
a placid estuary, and each day we strive for serenity,
ever grateful for the love that surrounds us,
the small boats that guide us,
and look, - look, oh look!  the stars shine.

We move towards spring.
Small stirrings in the earth, warmed by a returning sun.

Soon the sap will rise again and it will be the time of the Pussy Willow!




I'm with Poe - hope springs eternal!!!!

and now I am off to see the new year in with the beloved.

Happy new year to all dear folk.


Tuesday, December 27, 2011

ABC Wednesday

The letter this week is the eXtraordinary  X


X is for the kissy part of....

Charles and I have six children, who in their early years made lovely homemade cards for Mum and Dad, signed with OXOXOXOXs (hugs and kisses), and now bring beautiful sentimental cards, more sophisticated in their wording, but still with those fond hugs and kisses across the bottom, which dampen the eyes, just a smidgin, and make you think it has all been worthwhile.....

Add to that the dear cards that arrive on special occasions from fourteen grandchildren, and you will know that we have boxes and boxes of loving OXOXOXOXOXs.  What could be sweeter......


Thanks to Mr. Google for the illustrations.

For more Xamples of the letter X visit here at ABC Wednesday, with
thanks to Mrs. Nesbitt and her eXcellent helpers.

P.S.  Xmas kisses are especially nice.

Sunday, December 25, 2011




We are buried in the splendid confusion of Christmas, 
 but from the depths of wonderment 
Charles and I wish you all the peace and happiness and joy 
that this day brings, 
- and our earnest wish that it continues for each one of you 
as often as reality allows throughout the coming year.  


Off to stuff the bird......

A very Merry Christmas to all!!!