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So how did your January go? I hope it was full of happy times however you spent the month. I have to say that I’m glad to see the back of it. I try not to complain too much but I have to admit that January is my least favourite month. It’s a variety of things – the financial wounds caused by Christmas (why?), the over-indulging (but wasn’t it lovely), short days and long nights, cold weather – on and on. This January has been especially bad. After a tragic December for many people, January has proved to be even more catastrophic and heartbreaking for so many. I can hardly let this month pass without mentioning the all sadness that seems to have overwhelmed so many people in the world. It would be wonderful if sympathy could make things right but I hope those affected might be comforted by knowing that there must be thousands of people thinking about them. It certainly puts my grumbles into perspective!

Apart from the joy of family and friends, one of the highlights of my month has been the acquisition of a tablet. Yes – me!! I volunteer one afternoon a week at the local infants school (I don’t actually think they use the word ‘infants’ any more but why it was changed I will never know). All the 4/5 year old children are skilled in the use of electronic aids and my heart used to sink when they asked me questions about the computers and tablets in use there. I hope I can catch them up now; that is when I actually get the hang of some of the amazing facilities on the thing. I feel quite grown up now.

And more exciting news: my son-in-law Steve has given me a large quantity of compost. I must get out more!! No, it wasn’t a Christmas gift. It’s just so wonderful to be reminded that spring is on the way and I can get out into the garden which I love – got so many plans for the summer that I’m impatient so get going. I’ve even managed to find consolation in the wet weather – my water butt will be very happy and it’s just one more way of using less tap water (which is not so good for the garden) and also helping to keep bills down.

I was interested to hear more ‘news’ concerning health matters. Twelve years’ research has produced the result that 20 minutes exercise a day can/may prolong health and life. Well, well, well, who would have thought it? Also I read that wearing a scarf can help to keep warm. I have worn a scarf in the winter in the house for some years. I do feel the cold very badly and with short hair, it just seemed like a good idea. Try it – you might be surprised.

As you might have realised, I’m very interested in words and how they are used. I do like to listen to Classic FM although the adverts are very trying and spoil the atmosphere that the music creates. However, there are very often some cleverly worded interruptions to the music and I was attracted to ‘Time sits on its hands as we rush by’. Food for thought eh? I suppose it’s absolutely true that we are so busy – even though we may be facing all the challenges that life presents – that we have no time to ‘stand and stare’. With so much wonderfully sunny weather in my part of the world lately, it has been difficult not to be grateful for the wonderful country views that I’m now privileged to enjoy.

I have chosen Fair Trade Fortnight 23 February to 8^th March as special this time. Yes, I know it’s a bit of a departure for me but when I investigated, Fair Trade has so many implications for so many people world-wide. It encompasses the environment, fair wages and thereby addresses the issue of poverty. It certainly made me think about what I buy at the supermarkets and most of them do offer support in one way or another.

Finally, I must just mention a happy day this last week when I went for a post-Christmas lunch with fellow members of my tap-dancing class. Twelve of us took ourselves to a local pub where good food and company, together with much laughter, made it a really lovely event. But what a good idea? December is just too overflowing with food, socialising and organising diaries, I think post-Christmas celebrations should become more popular.

Looks like more snow is on the way but it is winter after all. Hopefully, this means that the seasons are all in good order and we can look forward to a real Spring.

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