Bringing in 2022

It's the start of a new year and with that, the promise of new adventures to come whilst firmly closing aside 2021. 

Whilst not a bad year, as there were plenty of highlights to be had (a sneaky Disney trip, lots of visits to friends and family, Missy coming 2nd in Golden Oldie and finally having her medication sorted so itchy paws are a thing of the past, to name a few), there was a fair share of lows. Hubby was made redundant from a job he truly loved and, whilst happy doing what he's doing now, it will never replace the gap in his life. We've lost acquaintances, and almost lost close family. Good friends are struggling with the burdens of covid and burnout, and there is little I can do to help them but offer a cup of tea and an open ear. And yes, the plague we had hoped to have banished is still here making life difficult and interrupting our most simple plans. 

Yes. Whilst 2020 was a dumpster fire, the heights of 2021 have really made me feel the lows of the year much harder. 

So, that chapter is being closed and I am opening the next warily, but with optimism. 

Final comments on 2021:

Christmas this year went very well. We had decided on a low key event with my mother coming over and that being all the guests. A quick walk around the estate in the morning made me feel like the ghost of Christmas present; the streets were dark and all the curtains were open and lit, displaying families opening thier presents and running around throwing wrapping paper and glitter. 

It certainly got me in the right mood for the day. My mum turned up at 11 and we had okonomiyaki for dinner (with a Christmas twist, it being of the turkey and crispy bacon variety) which went down a treat. She humoured us in a gnome painting activity and very quickly took the whole affair very seriously. It was just the right thing to idley pass the time as we got caught up on the goings on in life and then it was time for her to head off.

A good Christmas. 

And then, as I mentioned previously, it's been redecorating. I normally deep clean the house for the bells, so I've baan anxious that it was an impossible task this year. We spent the passing of the year painting skirting together, which I suppose in its own way is what we want for the year to come, to enjoy each others company and continue to work well as a team. 

Now onto 2022.

We started out today as we meant to go on with our first #leadtheway walk, which was a Loony Dook inspired affair at Portobello. It was also our best turn out yet with half a dozen people. After Missys last walk being all girls, this time it was all boys, and she was in her element flirting with them (particularly with an Irish Terrier called Red). 

For those unaware, the Loony Dook is the practice of going swimming in the sea on the first of January. Even at an almost tropical 14C, its always been one step too far from me. Looking at the bright red cold-sore skin on show, and hearing the humorous shrieks of shock and laughter made me quite glad for my wellies as I waded in a little. Missy had to be bribed in order to try the water, and she took the biscuit and went back to her flirting on dry land. 

Some of the dogs on our walk did brave the water, and it was lovely to watch them. 

Then back home to putting up wallpaper, there truly is no rest for the wicked! 

In other news, we finally got our Wilderness Wolf badge with Dog Furiendly - the first in the pack to do so, and quite an achievement! 

Missy is wondering where the girl scout cookies are to be found...

Normally this is where I put in my hopes and plans for year to come, but I'm not going to do that this year. Yes, I have grand plans in my ever evolving wartime garden, but I'm not making elaborate plans. Or resolutions. I'm just gonna focus on making this year count, and bringing in as much good to it as I can.

And so, with great sincerity, I raise a mug of tea and, truly, wish you all a Happy New Year.