The last couple of months have been dominated by gout, which just takes over everything. The big flare up lasted from the end of October through to Christmas, and stopped me from doing pretty much everything- shopping for presents being the main sufferer. Luckily, I had started buying early, so did manage to get something for everyone. I managed to get proper shoes on a couple of days before Xmas. Finally got to wear my shiny new boots.
This morning my foot is ominously sore again…
The turkey was disappointing this year. I'd bought a frozen turkey crown because I wanted a small one, but it wasn't organic, and I really noticed the difference. So much so that I didn't eat any of the leftovers- gave the whole shebang to Edd to take away. I think for 2014 I will buy a single organic turkey breast, so as to have the flavour of turkey without the leftovers. The gammon, however, was good. I delegated the responsibility for purchasing the gammon to Bex (as I couldn't get out to shop), and she did us proud.
We bought an artificial Xmas tree this year. I have had real trees for a long time, but get increasingly worried about being able to get out to choose one. A couple of years ago the weather was so bad we ended up with no tree at all, which was sad, and while Bex has been a marvel at buying trees and arranging transport for them, getting a tree before Xmas and disposing of it afterwards has become more and more of a hassle. The fake tree is a good one, and should last for at least 10 years.
My mother spent all of Xmas and new year in hospital with a chest infection. She is still on oxygen to assist her breathing, and we don't know when she will be able to return to her nursing home.
My brother seems to be recovering well from his heart surgery.
My grandson is developing in leaps and bounds. When a child is diagnosed with autism, it is hard not to think of all the developmental milestones that will be missed- but Pea continues to confound us. He started school in September, and is really enjoying it. He can now write his name! And he took part in the school Xmas performance. (As proud granny, I was there, and yes, I cried).
The boiler did its usual thing and broke down the week before Xmas. Luckily, it hasn't been too cold yet this winter, and they did fix it pretty quickly.
The main weather problem this winter has been storms and very high winds. We lost the best part of our beautiful ceanothus in the first big storm.
There have been minor floods down by the river - the Thames barrier has been closed for 10 high tides in a row as I write this. Luckily, we live on a hill, so should be okay, but I worry about Tor living down on the flood plain. She hasn't been affected so far- fingers crossed…
I am looking forward to my first full year of retirement. Let's hope the chancellor's austerity measures don't affect us too much.
Happy new year
