Christmas blessings! The annual traditions of Christmas have been completed once again: the stirrings of the urge to begin preparations early, to save that last-minute rush; the gradual build-up, as one by one the tasks are completed; the final impulse buying of gifts, cards , food and drink that we really had covered, but suddenly weren’t quite sure. Then it’s early Christmas morning and the turkey (or gigantic chicken!!) is in the oven, the pudding simmering. The doorbell rings and the house fills with people. Somehow the food is served hot and enticing. Crackers are pulled, wine is poured, the room is darkened in the hope that the pudding will flame. Suddenly the afternoon has gone and the intended long walk along the river bank has become a quick run down the lane with the long-suffering dogs. Supper is picked at and children are tucked into bed, tired out from the long day of excitement. The grown-ups relax at last and turn in late to bed. The next day the whole thing begins again for many – doing the rounds of the family. For others, it’s a quiet recovery time, full of old and new memories. In our house, the loss of Great Gran aged 95 is balanced by the gain of Maisy aged 9 months. We’re truly thankful for the blessing of a large, happy, healthy family and don’t forget the millions of people around the world that are not enjoying such good fortune at this time. Throughout the year we must surely try to help wherever we can to ease the burden on those struggling with ill-health or disaster. Our own efforts for Children’s Hospice South West will continue with talks by Julia and me about our great adventure across country and on 25th March we plan a walking day at Charlton Farm – the site of the new hospice. There will be a choice of 2, 5 or 8 mile walks and parties will be shown round the buildings throughout the day. A soup and bread lunch will be available and the Granny Trek team will present our cheque to Eddie Farwell, Chief Executive of CHSW. We’re hoping lots of you will come to this event. You can print sponsor forms from this web site, or telephone Diane and Gordon Bennett, who are organizing the walks, on 01275 810067. It will be helpful to have an idea of numbers attending, so do ring Diane to let her know you plan to be there. |