Good Bye 2020

 It's been quite a year. Plenty of time to think about lifestyle and aims and ambitions. Plenty of time to do handy works and enjoy the views. After the outbreak of fear mongering news reports I felt a kind of peace at being obliged to stay at home. I know I am fortunate in my choice of home.  I got used to wearing a mask (more or less, it will never feel normal) when in the shops. My granddaughters missed about 6 months of school. My daughter made life-changing decisions. Dear Johnny died, but not of the deadly virus.

It was a very hot dry summer and autumn but then, finally the rain came! Hooray! The kind of rain that actually makes a difference. Now all the hillsides are green and the slugs and snails are on a wave of indulgence. I've given up trying to grow brassicas until after the winter... 

The guinea pigs are still free and surviving. I got another one from a local lady and then, just before Christmas I saw this tiny little guinea pig running about. Baby Jesus! So now I have four. They are so sweet.

I have started to plaster my kitchen/bedroom as I think, although it works, it's a bit rough. So with a fine mixture of sieved earth and donkey poo I made a beautiful plaster and began to apply it. Now I need the 4m ladder to reach the high spots, so I've put that on hold. It's very tricky above the stairs... but what I have done looks really nice.

After wanting a plate rack for years and struggling with how to buy or build one myself (carpentry not being my forte) I suddenly had a brainwave and built one into the clay shelves.

My seven-year old granddaughter has just learnt to knit so I feel very happy for her. My father knew how to knit and crochet. When we were kids we were always asking him to make dresses for our trolls! It's a great skill for all ages and gender.

I love how my house blends into the landscape. The roof is full of grass and some nasturtium leaves are growing up there, too, so there may be a riot of colourful flowers in the spring.

I had my 63rd birthday and feel grateful for my life so far. Lovely friends and family and good health. I wish the same for everyone over the coming year.

Good bye 2020. Welcome 2021.