Dresses

Wow a week past since I’ve done my grats. I still am so grateful for many things. Middle daughter has started a new hobby (sewing) and has made her first dress- looks impressive. Had quite a few lunches out with past friends and new - good catching up with news. Gave some Betty Blush chocolates to 92 year old saxophonist called Betty - the delight on her face was priceless. Met up with new band friends at their inaugural concert. Went to first Carol Service with new friend which was good. Lovely friend who is such a good support to me is so much better which is a real blessing - also given me books to read, new Netflix series to watch - she’s a star.

Friends

Haven’t been posting for a while mainly because I’ve been seeing a variety of friends which I realise I may have taken for granted - more effort required to be thankful and appreciative - acts of kindness don’t hurt so let’s try a few. Lovely phone call this week from a 90 year old I know to see how I was so have got her a box of chocolates (Betty’s Blush) that she had commissioned a long time ago. Been out to several places to lunch over past week - so grateful there is so much choice in Northumberland.

Presents

Lovely friend giving me more presents - ink stamping thingys for my sister in law teacher and a robust gin glass for me - cool. Met a new friend (well hope they will be) for a coffee and then lunch - gave them a Christmas tree stand - just what was wanted for the recently cut down tree!! Went out with band friends for two glasses of wine in our usual hostelry - good laugh and catch up.

Party time

Fantastic meeting up with ex work colleagues at their Christmas party- went incognito and loved the reactions- food and drink good - some acrobatics and nice free Eton Mess stall. Enjoyed buying a half price cat tree for youngest daughter Christmas present even though she hasn’t got a cat - proud of her wanting to foster cats short term before an owner can be found. Nearly joined an acting group for a play next July but they found someone slightly more experienced - still glad I was going to go through with it. Met an interesting man in a charity shop who talked to me about going out to Saudi Arabia for Christmas period to stay with a wealthy sheikh - really pleased I took the time to listen to his story.

Conversations

Grateful to have wide range of conversations with friend on messenger. Great coffee with band leader  and clarinetist- only place that does a tea cake in Alnwick - grateful they give you butter not flora. Had great chat with youngest daughter about life and that she may be getting a boyfriend soon - no particular explanation on this one!! Took her to our favourite local restaurant near her and also had a Montepulciano. Managed  a two 30 minute and a 45 minute drive today with not too much back trouble. Super that a pile of postcards coming my way for charity from that lovely friend again

Beach

What a lovely walk on the beach (twice) with a friend after lunch, coffee and cake - graced by darting sanderlings darting next to us. Same friend gave me a dumortierite stone to help with sleep and anxiety and some more metal folder racky things - she is good to me. So pleased that daughter Sarah was so chuffed at telling me she had finished her 3000 word nursing essay - sharing on her joy and relief was a delight. Great to meet up with a work colleague in a pub tonight to catch up with health news but also to reminisce.

Virtual hugs

So glad I have a friend who knows how to give virtual hugs and encouragement at exactly the right time. Pleased I have band friends who have missed me and wanted me to join them in the pub for a catch up. Love a song by Casting Crowns “Just be held” given to me by a caring lovely friend - I cried which I think I have needed for a while. Good outcome at urology meeting - monitoring of cancer is agreed rather than any intervention - miraculous/ God is good. Nice to share the news with a church friend who gave me a lift - went out for late lunch/early tea.