New Year, New Attitude

I know that I'm not on my own at the moment when I look back over the past year and weigh things up. Was it a good year? What could I have done better? What do I want for next year? Inevitably, the passage of time from one year to the next is bound to lead to some reflection and a longing to do better in this next brand new year. It has the feeling of something as yet untouched and with it, the wish to keep it looking as good as possible. But how long, I wonder before the first row or raised voice, bad mood or laziness?

2013 was for me a good year, when things started to come together and we actually started different activities without worrying whether it was going to be too much for me. It is reassuring to find that providing my chronic fatigue symptoms are managed and we plan our activities, much more can be done.

It was also the year when I became involved with the parish magazine for our church. As compiler, I get to set out the items that are going to be in an issue and work with one of the church warden on the editing. I have learned how to use a desktop program this year because of this and have found that my mind relishes having new things to do. It is not without its challenges and it does suck up time, but it has been hugely enjoyable.

We have also been camping, with the strong probability that we will do more next year. That has been great fun and with our new bell tent, we are both hoping for great adventures. And I have a new folding bike, which has allowed me to go off and practise more cycling.

When I think about what I could have done better, my thoughts turn to organising my time. At the moment, I know I'm not perfect in this area. I would like to write more, but can never find the time to do it. And I think I should really appreciate that just buying books about a subject doesn't make me an expert! You have to write to get better about it, a fact that I really appreciated when I did the NaNoWriMo challenge.

Next year will be a good year when what has been started this year in my writing and in various other activities will be built on. More than anything I want to enjoy my life and the experiences that I encounter.

I wish you all a Magnificent 2014 - make it a year to remember.

Christmas Past and Present

As the days roll past that take us to Christmas Day, it seems this year that my mind has been on past Christmas's, and how they were spent. As a child, Christmas was all excitement, where the thoughts of presents and what they might be outweighed everything else.

One year, when I was three, I can remember my twin and myself getting up very, very early on Christmas Day. It was very dark and we managed to switch on the light so we could open the presents which we had found at the bottom of the bed. Suddenly, the bedroom door bursts open and there in the doorway is our father and he is not looking very happy. We were sent back to bed with stinging legs and told not to get up until it was light. And yet, although we both had a cry, I can't remember it spoiling Christmas. I think we knew we shouldn't be up but at three what can you do when there are all those delicious parcels waiting for you?

Another year, when my younger brother was still a toddler, he had been given a blow up snowman with a weighted bottom as a present (like a punch bag). Not a brave toddler, he cried ferociously when it was moved around prompting his naughty sisters to move it around even more.

As we grew older, Christmas presents seemed to be more about things that were needed - a best frock, a guitar (we joined a guitar group at 12), shoes and slippers, hankies together with the inevitable selection boxes(which seemed larger then than they do now).

Going into my teens, what I remember most is the food. There was masses of it. A huge turkey with all the trimmings, bacon rolls chipolata sausages, stuffing roast parsnips, and potatoes, sprout, cabbage, peas and carrots - the list appeared to be endless. And for after, my Nan's Christmas pudding. It was paler than the usual Christmas puddings and was the only one I used to eat and enjoy, especially as there were glacé cherries inside. It did seem that we no sooner finished dinner than it was time for tea - fruit salad and Christmas cake. Then later in the evening, bubble and squeak with cold meat. The following was cold meat again but with chips and all kinds of pickles.

I think Christmas's really changed for me when I left my first husband. The first one was pretty miserable, spent with my Mum in the residential home she ran, with her saying if I became upset, 'You've made your bed - now lie in it.' I think it was a time of realising that Christmas wasn't just about presents, food and watching television but about friendship and families and what you put into that special day.

Now, married to a wonderful man, who doesn't like Christmas, having been a butcher for most of his adult life and had to work so hard right up to Christmas Eve, Christmas is more about companionship, knowing that if I see something I like during the year, then I can buy it (so it's Christmas all year round!). It's also about seeing family that we don't see as often as we would like, but making the most of it anyway.

From my faith point of view, it is a reminder that God came to earth in the form of a vulnerable baby, who would grow up to do amazing things, then die and live again, so that we may have this wonderful connection with Him.

Wishing all of you a Joyful Christmas and a peaceful 2014.

Eight Things I've Learnt About Working on the NaNoWriMo Challenge

I feel I must start with my apologies as I commence this post. It has been some weeks since I have written, largely due to the subject I want to deal with today, namely National Novel in a Month 2013. My time has been taken up in the preparation for this challenge and then in the work on it.

This challenge first started in the United States 13 years ago, (which is where the word in the title National comes in) the object being for each contestant to attempt to write 50,000 words in 30 days, those 30 days being the month of November.

I have tried for the past 2 years to reach this magic total and failed miserably. Both years failures were for a perfectly good reason - as someone with chronic fatigue syndrome, there are times when it is not a good idea to push yourself. Nevertheless, it left me with this urge to succeed one day in this challenge.

This year, I succeeded, much to my joy. The whole process was a novel experience and I learnt lots. Please see my little list below for more detail. Recently I have read articles showing scepticism that typing so intensively over 30 days can produce anything useful. To them I say I now have something I can edit and decide for myself it's usefulness, whether to send it to a publisher or not. But that wasn't the reason it was done. Like climbing Everest, I did it because it was there.

1.  I can Write!
This first thing was a biggie for me. As the days went on, to actually realise that I can sit down on a day to day basis and type something, whether it was 400 words or 2,000. It gave me great confidence, which still buzzes on today, a week after finishing the challenge.

2.  It is possible to write most days, if not every day.
Even though I did have other things to do, as we all have, I discovered that wanting to do this challenge made me look for the times in my day when I could type. Even 15 minutes was enough to write a few words. I didn't have to sit there for hours each day (although the last few days did become a bit frantic).

3.  I can be disciplined.
Again, this was a realisation that I can plan things into my day, if I really want to do it.

4.  It feels good to write.
I did not find the experience tiring, but incredibly enjoyable. The sheer effort of putting pen to paper allowed me to focus and to concentrate for however long I had and to just write.

5.  You can only learn about what you need to concentrate on like descriptions of characters and places, by having something written to look over in the first place.
What I am trying to say is you can't edit anything unless you have written something first. Additionally, you can only appreciate what you need to do to your characters and the various description only if there is something on paper or screen for you to peruse first. Before this I had spent a long time about thinking what I would like to write, but not putting fingers to the keyboard. It is quite a good feeling to find you now have something to work on.

6.  It is possible to get yourself inch by inch to a goal.
This was mentioned a little in point 2, but really you can only appreciate what writing 50,000 words feels like, when you actually do it. 50,000 words amounts to 1,667 words approximately every day. So every day you needed to pace yourself to ensure you were on track. As you get closer to your goal, you begin to realise that this can be done in any avenue of your life and is very thought provoking.

7.  Preparation is so important.
This is where I came unstuck in the two past years. This year I had some idea as to what I wanted to write about. As a new writer of fiction, I didn't completely appreciate what kind of planning I needed to do. I soon realised as the days went on where my planning had been faulty. But I had planned something, even if it was a bit loose. And it did keep me going and next time, I will be better prepared.

8.  You need your buddies.
What I also hadn't had before was support, mainly because I had thought that telling people would make them think I was totally mad. This year, I had the support of my husband and the creative writing support group on Facebook, who also have a special month long NaNoWriMo group. It was brilliant to have that much support. My husband was fantastic, making sure I didn't overdo things, but also being very encouraging. I think he could see it was important for me to do this.
The support group were amazing. I did have one occasion where I deleted a whole chapter and a bit from my work and people were very sympathetic. But they kept you going and were supportive every step of the way. They also rejoiced with you when you completed the task. As I have said, amazing.

What next? The recommendation is that you leave it for a month and then start the editing process. That is what I intend to do. What I also want to do is to look at the other projects that I have started over the past year or so and see if I can bring those to fruition. Ultimately, what this challenge has done is made me keen to write more and better. You can't have a better outcome than that.

Blackberry Wood and The Half Moon

It is rare that I go through a day when we go out that I'm really impressed with all I see. Today was such a day. In our research on camp-sites in the East Sussex area, we had discovered what seemed like an unusual one near Lewes called Blackberry Wood. The web site was professional and showed some unusual static caravans – by unusual, I mean a double decker London bus, a helicopter (yes, really) amongst others.

Thinking that it may not really be for us, we decided to go up there this morning to take a look. We are finding out just how friendly campers and those running them are. If it was going to be any good, we reasoned, then they won’t mind us visiting.

The first surprise was that it was reasonably easy to find; just off the road near to Plumpton College and a few miles from Lewes. And even though we had quite a lot of rain over the weekend, we were both struck by how ‘unmuddy’ it was. And yes, it had a double decker bus and helicopter in the main area, together with other unusual static cabins, including a Curvy Cabin.

On asking at the reception area, we found they were happy for us to explore, and gave directions so that we could view nearly the whole site. The areas for tents to pitch seemed to be in the wooded areas, each with their own fire grill for camp fires. As it was mainly empty it was difficult to say how secluded each pitch was, but as we intend to go along mid week before Christmas, this wasn't a major issue. It looked impressive and I wanted to try out our bell tent there (more about the bell tent in another post!), like now! But patience is a virtue….

Next stop for us was the The Half Moon, a public house that we had passed on our way to Blackberry Wood. Once again, a big surprise awaited us in the form of lovely food at reasonable prices and beautiful surroundings. And following our meal, we had a swift walk to Plumpton College and back before making our way home.

I am now eagerly awaiting our next camping trip. Hopefully, the weather will dry up a little in the next couple of weeks so we can try Blackberry Wood out (and eat at The Half Moon again). We are fortunate that we can try these places out without having to travel too far and to enjoy the beautiful Sussex countryside up close and personal, as it were.

Camping at Hartfield - Day 3 and lessons learned

In spite of the very early night, I didn't get to sleep properly until after midnight. Alan also did not sleep well – acid indigestion from gorging on fish and chips. Both of us just aren't too good after eating fatty foods, as we do not eat them at home any-more.

We also listened to the rain and wind and to a Mr. Fox killing one of the ducks who lived on the lake (or at least, that is what it sounded like - a ghastly Donald Duck scream, or screams as there was more than one).

But I did sleep, much to my surprise. Morning found me refreshed and ready for another day. After breakfast and tea, Alan went off for another hour of fishing and start to pack up and dismantle those bits of equipment that I was able i.e. the air-bed, packing the sleeping bag and taking the inner bed down and folding it up. Had one very impressed husband when he arrived back.

Once everything was packed up, we left the site for a leisurely trip home, stopping for lunch on the way, believe it or not, another fry up, this time a full English breakfast - delicious!

So what has been learned on this camping trip, which,  in fact,  I did enjoy, but if things didn't go wrong there would be nothing to write about?

1)      Preparation may be everything, but communication helps as well. Alan had been so good in sorting everything prior to getting to the site. He didn't however tell me of his expectations, which made for an awkward start. Probably wasn't his fault. Maybe I should have asked more questions, rather than ‘just turned up on the day’ as it were.

2)      Air-beds should be properly blown up, or else sleeping will be difficult if not impossible (as well as getting in and out of bed - imagine feeling like you're walking on water). We realised as we were packing up that Alan’s side of the air-bed wasn't even half full. No wonder he was complaining bitterly for the two nights we were there.

3)      It rains a lot in this country, particularly when you want to go camping.

4)      Camp fires are fun and I have an extremely adept husband who sets them up.

5)    And finally, both of us agreed that comfort might be improved if we had an inner tent that allowed space either side of the air-bed, so that getting out in the middle of the night would be that much easier. So began the research towards buying another tent that may fulfil our needs. More about that in another posting - think canvas.

Camping at Hartfield - Day 2

Neither of us slept all that well that night. There is something about sleeping in a different location to your usual bed at home. I tend never to sleep well the first night. And it was very cold – not when you got warmed up in our double quilt and put the zips right up- but when you have Jessie, or dog deciding she wants a piece of the warmth as well, and it’s dark and you can’t see why the quilt isn’t where it should be i.e. over me – it doesn't make for easy sleeping.

Alan was, I know, having the same difficulties, plus getting out of bed to relieve himself. We had decided this time to place the air-bed and quilt so that the pillows were furthermost from the door. That was probably not such a good idea, because it did make getting out a little more awkward, including the fact that by the time you had made your way where you wanted to be, everyone had been disturbed.

Yet, when we finally woke up, having had a very broken night, we didn't feel tired, just excited.

Breakfast was toast and jam with coffee, taken in the open air. We were completely alone in this peaceful countryside and it did feel good.

After washing both ourselves and the dirty plates, we decided to go into the village for the paper and a few other items. We had been told of a walk down to the village, so we thought we’d give it try. It was one of the best walks that we had been on for quite some time; very scenic and not too arduous. I suppose the only thing was the stiles, of which there were around eight. On the way back, my hips were starting to moan about the new exercise.

Once in the village, we carried out our chores and decided to get some coffee while we waited for some kindling to arrive at the small store there, because we fancied another fire at the site that night. I succumbed to the chocolate croissants whilst there. Well, I thought I deserved it.

Lake at St Ives Farm, Hartfield

On returning to the site, we encountered a lone fisherman trying his luck on the lake in precisely the spot that Alan had pre-baited earlier in the day! So he went fishing at another swim. The other fisherman however ended up catching a 17lb carp, which he was very pleased with. Me? I just sat in one of  our new chairs and soaked up the sun.

Went back into the village late afternoon in the hope of eating at one of the pubs, but food wasn’t being served until after 6pm. We happened to find a mobile fish and chip van in the village and went back to the tent to gorge ourselves on a large cod and chips each. It was the best meal of that sort I had had in years.

Alan lit another camp fire which we sat beside until it started again to rain and we decided on an early night – 8.30pm, very unusual for us.

Camping at Hartfield - day 1

I hear our car engine ticking away outside and I sigh. Alan can’t wait to be on his way and here I am making the bed. I go through my mental list of things still to do – just the washing up and then I can put on my walking shoes, go to the loo, pick up my coat and bag and be off to the car. As I finish in the toilet, he comes in, impatience showing in his face. “I’ll be out in just a minute,” I inform him tersely, “I had things still to do”.

It is only when we are halfway there that I realise that I've forgotten my coat and have only my fleece for the next two days. This is our second camping adventure and it hasn't started right which, I think is probably down to me. Alan has planned it like a military operation. Lists have been made; items purchased; the car has been carefully packed. All I really had to do was to turn up, which I did, belatedly.

It is a relatively quiet trip up. It is only as we get closer to Hartfield that things go a bit awry. The travel instructions have been written for me, but there had been an expectation that I would also follow them on a map to check that we were heading in the right direction; what with the dog on my lap and being held, the instructions in my other hand, I don’t have any room for anything else. Inevitably, we go wrong and have to stop – much two way shouting ensues.

In the end, we find where we are going – St Ives Farm, just outside of Hartfield. The next problem is finding a space because, although there is lots of space i.e. there are no tents there, there are reserved signs strategically placed, which give the impression that the whole site is reserved. We take a deep collective breath, assume that this was for the past weekend (which we later found it was), find a level spot and pitch our tent.

Tent pitched and all the goods unloaded and put away, it then starts to rain. The idea had been to heat some soup on our new gas stove, but, by mutual agreement we go down to the local pub, The Anchor and eat a sandwich there (and very good it was too).

After exploring the village, with the rain easing off, we make our way back. It is a bit of a surprise to find we are the only ones on the site, but neither of us is too bothered. Alan heats up chicken dansak with a lovely aromatic spicy dhal. After our meal, he lights up a camp fire. The weather holds and we sit watching the ever changing shapes and colours of the flames, sometimes chatting and at other times gazing into the flames.

Finally, the events of the day get to both of us and we go into out tent together with Jessie, hopefully to sleep.

Admitting the Truth

Admitting the Truth

Imagine the awfulness of it all. For months I have denied that there was anything that I could do about my eating.'It’s the drugs I'm on at the moment', I would say, 'steroids are known to make it virtually impossible to lose weight'.

Then I read a book called Stopping by David Kundzt. Let hasten to say that it was not about weight and losing it, but about putting quiet moments in the day – maybe just a few seconds, sometimes longer. It also talked about longer periods of quiet, but advised to start small. The reasoning behind it all was that for whatever reason, we all tend to keep busy doing something and we tend to forget who we are and the warning messages that our bodies may be giving us.

It is not difficult to do. In some instances, it is just a case of taking a deep breath and remember where you are. In others, it may be taking pleasure in the mundane work you are doing. In a way, it is very like mindfulness.

I thought I would give it a try. The awful thing for me was that, in those moments of quiet, I suddenly realised in one of those Eureka moments, that I was still eating too much for my size, and making excuses for it. So, I must now consider what I now am eating (and drinking) and cut back accordingly.

The other 'revelation' that has come from it so far is that I am spending far too much time on these blessed Facebook games. Instead of resting between one activity before I do something else, I ‘reward’ myself with ‘just a couple of games’. Only it isn't just a couple. It draws you in and before you know it, half an hour has passed and all the things you intended to do cannot be done for the day. Oh, the shame of it! At my age, I should know better.

The good thing is that I've now noticed these things and can work towards improvements. It’s been going on for some time now. The struggle has been admitting it.

We're Campers!! - 5 Things I've Learned About Camping

Well, we've done it. On Wednesday this week, we packed up the car and made our way over to Alfriston Camp Site to spend the night there, trying out our new tent. Fortunately, Jessie (our dog), was much better, having been given anti-inflammatory drugs to aid her back problem; so there was nothing to stop us.

Our Tent

Rather than give you a blow by blow account of our trip (which could be very long and, possibly, boring), I thought I would tell you the 5 major things I learnt about this thing called camping.

1.  Looks Can Be Deceiving.
I find it truly amazing that something that looks as fragile as the tent material available now, together with a few poles, can make such great tents. As you begin, there seems no rhyme or reason to it. The poles are ridiculously slim. But when you start to fit it all together and start to put in a few tent pegs; Hey presto - a tent begins to appear. We had got a 4 man tent and, once it was up, it looked very comfortable for the 2 of us (plus Jessie).

2.  Mistakes Happen.
It is a sad fact that however hard you prepare, things can always go wrong. It was the first time either of us had camped in decades. Technology had moved on with the tent and all it's plastic bits and bobs; the inner linings and the separate groundsheet for the living area - all streets ahead from the little two man tent that my first husband and myself used over 30 years ago. We made the mistake of not fitting the ground sheet in the living area correctly and, when it rained overnight, we woke up to find a soaked pillow and kaftan, but luckily nothing else.

We also thought that we had pitched perfectly, but we had reckoned without that slight slope, which meant that I kept on rolling towards Alan when we were on the air bed. Twice I had to get out to readjust the air bed - lesson learnt.

The air bed featured in another mistake - I had a problem with getting onto and settling on it. On 3 occasions I stepped onto it, went to slip into the sleeping bag, only to find myself bouncing off and landing backwards into the living area. The 3rd time was at 3.00am. My dear husband said that I looked like one of those rather plump ladies in a 18th century cartoon, falling back with their legs akimbo. Most amusing - especially when all I wanted to do was laugh, only to be told to shush! as I would wake up our neighbours. Much shoulder heaving then ensued:-)

3.  You Don't Just Need A Tent.
We had a tent, air bed, sleeping bag, single gas ring, food for tea and breakfast (we were going to eat out at lunchtime, to celebrate), teabags, powdered milk, sugar and coffee. You would think that would have been enough as we were only staying for a night. Yet, it may have been even better with camping chairs; we had one fishing chair and a folding chair from the computer desk - each at a different height to the other, so you were either looking down on the other or looking up. Also you soon realised they weren't very comfortable, especially if Jessie wanted to sit with you.

I had thought Alan mad when he spoke about a carpet in the living area; yet after a while I could see the benefit of that. Mind you, with the influx of water in our groundsheet incident, it would have got very wet.
I could also see that a double stove would be of great benefit if we were considering longer trips. Eating out nowadays is very expensive if done regularly, so cooking on site would definitely reduce costs.

The state of some of the pegs left a lot to be desired when they were taken up, making heavy duty pegs a must for our ever growing list.

To be fair, making do is all part of the fun when camping, so I wasn't unduly worried - just aware that if we were to camp regularly, it would be better to do it in some comfort.

4.  Commonplace Things Become Special
Going to the loo at 01.15am with a nearly full moon was a magical experience. Unzipping the tent and stepping onto grass and then wandering across the field (there wasn't a direct route) torch in hand to the toilet block really appealed . And when I walked from the toilet back to the tent, I looked up and there was the full moon, moving in and out of the straggly clouds - truly lovely.

Even though I had issues with the air bed, going to sleep in what virtually the open air was so different  and, for me, enjoyable.

And even making tea and having our two meals there made for a very different experience.

5.  It's Fun.

Our Site

OK, it wasn't a perfect trip. Things went wrong, there were aspect of our time there that could have been better, but I had a fantastic time. There were a lot of laughs. We met people, some from Holland and Germany; other from Denton and near Lewes; mostly friendly and full of good advice and support.

It was a great learning experience. There were items that we now know would have made the trip better. Mistakes we made, which we will try not to make again. But above all, I feel filled with a great sense of achievement that we actually did it at all. Having had health problems over the past few years, where holidays were not something we could consider, I felt that we were on an upward trend and life was improving.

I'm just hoping that it won't be too long before we do it again.

Nearly There

Well, it looks as if we just might do it - we might well be camping for a night this week.

Jessie's back problem wasn't getting any better, so she was taken to the vet's, who gave her an anti-inflammatory injection and on pain killers for the rest of the week. However, we can take her camping,; provide she is on the lead all the time, doesn't chase other dogs or rabbits; isn't thrown any sticks or balls and doesn't go on any really long walks.

At the moment, she seems a lot better. We popped into the camp site we intend to go to for our 'one night stand' (if we get the night up OK) today and she seemed very keen, even though there were a number of children around. We shall see how she reacts properly tomorrow.

Alan is at this moment getting everything sorted out, so that when we get up tomorrow, it can all be put into the car and we can be off.

I feel very excited and am hoping that it all goes well. Will tell you all about it in my next post. Just bear in mind that we both haven't been camping for at least 30+ years. It's all a bit of a big thing - an adventure.

Maybe we'll go camping?

As with all new occupations that you want to do, there the extras that you have to buy. With camping, it's not just the tent you need, it's the sleeping bag(s), the air bed (if you're of a certain age, camping have to have some comforts!), a wind shield (not in red, yellow or blue - has to be discreet) and something to cook on (which we had already).

So we've had the excitement of packages arriving during the past week, all looking very new and smelling unusual, together with the fun of trying things out. I tried the double sleeping bag - very nice - but I think Alan will have to get one of his own:-)

We have already decided that we were first going to try it out for one night. The intention is to arrive at the camp site fairly early in the morning and start to set the tent up. We have already tried this partially in our living room, so at least we have some idea of how to get the poles in and to get the outer skin up. Both of us ended  up very sweaty and even this small part of setting up took a lot longer than the 25 minutes the complete setting up was supposed to take.

Then, just when we think we've got it all planned, something happens that we didn't cater for - our dog is having difficulty jumping up onto the settee or climbing up steps, and is generally acting very sorry for herself, although she doesn't appear to be in pain. As she was part of team Alfriston, we may have to delay. So, at the moment, it's a case of keeping an eye on her and decide tomorrow whether a trip to the vets is necessary; also whether the date that we had planned for our first foray into the world of camping is still on.

Happy Campers:-)

It does seem strange that when you start doing new things, like making sourdough bread or learning to ride and become confident with a bike, that other opportunities crop up. And you think to yourself, 'why not?' That may not seem unusual to you - but for me, it definitely is.

My husband and I have for a numbers of years talked about the idea of buying a tent and going camping. I don't know why. Maybe it was just the freedom of the concept; packing the tent and equipment in the car and going off to somewhere peaceful and scenic. Anyway, it has been  talk, with nothing further done. As people often say, life took over. My health wasn't good, so it didn't seem an option.

On Monday, my husband, as part of an exercise routine, walked from Seaford to Alfriston over the downs. In the process, he walked past a site for tourers and tents. He was so taken by it, that, in the afternoon, he brought me back there (by car, I hasten to add) to see it. We also visited a beautiful country house hotel - Deans Place, also in Alfriston for a drink, as he had done in the morning.

The camp site was lovely, situated in a valley and near to a stables. It was quiet when we visited although apparently on the weekends, it can be busy. But I could just see myself there, pottering around as others were doing.

So, the same night, we went onto the Internet and ordered a 4 man tent and air bed and talked long and hard about doing this extraordinary thing. We thought we would try one night to start with and see where it gets us. Going away for a couple of nights every so often feels very attractive and will be a break from the day to day routine.

We are excited about the whole thing and waiting for the tent to arrive, which will be today. I think our main concern is how Jessie will cope with it. But we'll soon know, as we'll probably be off to that site in Alfriston next week.

Glorious Food at 'The Flying Fish'

Setting aside for the moment my preoccupations with riding a bike and making sourdough bread (of which more in blogs to come), I thought I would mention a lunch that my husband and I ate this week at a pub not far from where we live.

It was a late, late birthday lunch, as I had had the misfortune to end up with a tummy bug the day after my birthday, when we had planned to celebrate my special day during that week.

Last Monday, we decided to go to Denton, to have a drink at 'The Flying Fish'. I don't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't the pleasant, warm atmosphere that we were greeted with. The landlady is young (in her 30's), good looking and  friendly with a no nonsense air about her. She soon had the measure of my husband and bantered with him, which he enjoyed. The menu also looked interesting. While there we booked a table for Wednesday lunchtime; as Alan said, "we haven celebrated your birthday yet".

The pub itself is not large and it hasn't been over-modernised. You walked straight into the main bar and there is to the left a small room used as a restaurant; although if you have a dog (as we do), there is a separate area to eat there also. It is also blessed with a large beer garden.

Looking at the menu on Wednesday, I was spoilt for choice; should I go for the chilli con carne with chips in a basket? Or the lamb hotpot? In the end, I chose the fish special - salmon fillet marinated with coriander and lime with new potatoes and salad. Alan chose the fish pie. They were both lovely meals, both to look at and to eat. The last time I had had salmon was over 25 years ago, in Ireland and it was as dry as dust. This fillet, however, was moist and tasty, with the salad, covered with a dressing tasting fantastic. I didn't hear much from Alan while he was eating his pie; a sure sign he was liking what he was eating.

We weren't going to, but both of us ordered desserts. Alan went for the Eton mess and I chose apple and apricot crumble. By this time, we could see that they had got quite busy; so there was a little wait for our course. It wasn't a problem as the atmosphere felt relaxed and everyone seated in our area seemed to be enjoying themselves. In fact, for a Wednesday afternoon, we were surprised that it was so busy.

We ended the meal with coffee and left feeling very satisfied with the meal and the afternoon.

I suppose the acid test will come when we visit again. We have to been to many pubs in the Seaford area and been impressed only to go again to find the either the chef had changed or the management and things not as good as they were. I can only say of 'The Flying Fish' that they are doing everything right. Long may it continue.

The Starter 50+ Cycler Part 3 - The Choice of Bike

The previous two posts have really dealt with my learning to cycle, an event that happened nearly two years ago. But because of my nerves about riding on the road and trying out new things for fear I may fall off and hurt myself, I had left myself in a limbo. I still wanted to ride, which was a good thing. But how to get over those dreadful nerves?

I suppose the most obvious thing would have been to find someone who could show me the on the road basics. I knew that local authorities provided Bikeability courses, but I thought I was too inexperienced even for that. And, at the age of 56, I just felt plain embarrassed to be with others, who were probably younger and more able than myself. I needed to get used to riding, somewhere level and quiet in the first instance, then take it from there.

My dear long suffering husband suggested buying a folding bike; his reasoning being that I could take it to wherever I wanted to go and ride it from there. It sounded like a good idea, so I started looking at the options available.

We both agreed that seeing as I had gone for the cheapest bike when I started to ride, that this time I would get a reasonably priced bike and one I would be comfortable with. Not that the last bike had been bad, but Alan had thought it wasn't the best bike to start with.

 The search started on the Internet, looking first at what Halfords and Evans offered. Really, I then needed to actually look at the bikes themselves. Would I be able to lift it in the car? Did I feel comfortable on it? Did it feel sturdy enough? So we then went to the Halfords near us to see what they had. Whilst they did have folding bikes available and I actually tried a couple, I felt myself in the position of forcing myself to like them because they were cheap. I also did not feel we had the assistants full attention, so questions that we had did not get answered (or even asked such was the disinterest shown).

We happened to go to Eastbourne the following day, where we saw a small independent store which also had folding bikes for sale. This time all our questions were answered and we felt listened to. His recommendation was for a GIANT brand folding bike and we went away with a brochure. I still needed to think about it. But there again, that's part of the problem - I think everything into extinction!

On the way home, we stopped off at the local independent store - Mr Cycles and were once more impressed by the level of service of the independent compared to somewhere like Halfords. They also stocked Giant bikes and we ordered and paid for a GIANT HALFWAY 2 CITY bike there and then. At last, decision made.

The following day, I went in to see the same make I would be having (a bit back to front I know, but they had advised me that one would be coming in that day and I wanted to be reassured). I was really impressed by it's sturdy but light form and structure. I knew I would like this bike. And so two days later, I became the owner of a GIANT folding bike - let the games begin.

The Starter 50+ Cycler Part 2 - Nerves, Nerves, Nerves

Ok, so now I know how to ride a bike. Except I don't. Riding a bike has an awful lot to do with confidence, of which I don't have in abundance.

I can ride along a straight piece of road where there is no other traffic, no lumps and bumps, no bends and corners, no slopes and no junctions. I can also stop well. I have in fact, intimate knowledge of my brakes because I use them so much. I find hills frightening, turning bends interesting and riding at anything other than a leisurely pace sweat inducing (and not because of the exercise!).

I can only assume at this point that you're muttering under your breath 'it all takes time, stupid'. Yes, I know that. Never having done anything like this before, I do realise that experience is key and that I have to keep going at it.

So, Alan buys a bike rack and we go off to Exceat and I ride in Friston Forest. It is very enjoyable, but I do realise, and not for the first time, that having your husband teach you to ride a bike is like him teaching you to drive a car - if you're not careful,rows ensue. He is an experienced bike rider who has done it since he was a boy; so he get very frustrated that I don't just 'get it' and ride off into the wide blue yonder. So Friston Forest, although reasonably successful has raised other things that concern me, like deep mud ruts, grassy hills and a complicated rack which I would have difficulty using myself.

So what's a girl to do?

The Starter 50+ Cycler Part 1 - Learning to Ride a Bike In Your Over Fifties

It's not just in the home with my sourdough that I have had the urge to do something different. As my health started to improve in 2011, I expressed a wish to learn to ride a bike, something I had never done as a child  (I am now in my 50's). My husband, who used to cycle to work everyday, encouraged me to purchase a bike so that I could learn. So a bought a cheap, but new mountain bike. I don't think he anticipated that it would not be that easy - traumatic not just for me, but for him also.

At first, every time I went to push the pedal with my left foot, my right foot would decide, as if by magic, to plant itself on the ground and stay there. Nothing would move it. It was glued in position! I then found out, after numerous tries that, in order to move at all, you quite literally have to take a step of faith, push your feet down on their respective pedals, look straight ahead, believing that I would stay upright and move forward.

This worked for about 5 seconds to start off with. Then I would realise that I was actually moving and panic, swerving and going off balance. Then we would go back to the beginning.

All this was taking place in our patio area in the back garden - not a large area, about 20 foot wide. At one point, because I was making such a mess of things, I began to laugh. Mistake - I completely lost any concentration I had had and fell, grazing my knee and annoying my husband, who felt I wasn't taking it at all seriously.

As I slowly improved, it was decided that I ride up the road, to the interest and amusement of my neighbours. A white knuckle ride indeed. But the icing on the cake was when Alan (my husband) tried to teach me how to go round in circles on an area of grass just up the road from where we live.

Grass does have a different feel than tarmac. There I was trying to concentrate on that, as well as trying to turn as well as keeping my momentum up, then disaster struck! I lost balance and completed a commendable belly flop, landing on my face in the grass. Our post lady, who was cycling past at the time, came rushing over to see if I was alright, but I was fine, just a sad case of bruised pride.

Slowly, and surely I began to get the 'feel' of the bike. Apart from a wiggle as I started to move off, I was steady. Braking wasn't a problem. It seemed to me I was braking more than pedalling. And when I said to Alan that there was such a lot to think about, he would look at me in bewilderment. 'After all,' he said, 'there is nothing to riding a bike.'

I do think that learning to ride when you reach a certain age is a little different to when you are a child. As an adult, you know what can go wrong. Broken bones do matter and pride can be such an issue. And all this is going through my mind as I am learning to ride.

So, 18 months ago, I actually learnt how to ride a bike. It didn't go any further. I didn't have the confidence to go out on the roads where we lived because a) we live on a slope; b) it is on a bus route and c) there are a lot of cars parked on the road. But I knew, that having got this far, I was going to have to take it further and get more experienced. More on my next posting.

Living Sourdough - Part 2

The continuing story of my sourdough bread-making efforts:-

Day 4

I am alarmed to see that the mixture has fluid on top. This I had seen before in my previous mixes, which never seemed to come to anything. Going back to Paul Hollywood’s recipe, he says that this is because the yeast is over-active and that more flour should be added. As he doesn't say how much, I added four dessert spoons of flour, which made the mix a bit thicker. I decided to leave it until tomorrow before adding any more, if I need to.

Day 5

Small bubbles can be seen in the mix itself, but there is still a thin layer of fluid at the top of the starter. Two more heaped dessert spoons of flour were put in and the mixture stirred well. It is definitely a lot thicker. Some hours later, in the evening I checked the level of the starter against the marker and it has risen and the mixture is bubbling away. Will leave it now until day seven before halving the mix and adding more flour and water. Then, you never know but it might be ready for use by day nine.

Day 7

The starter mix is still looking good, so, as per instructions, half of the mix is thrown away and more flour and water added. I had decided to pour the other half into a large bowl so that the flour and water can properly be mixed in. Also, I thought I would give the jar a clean. I'm holding my breath while doing it in case, for some reason, it kills the dough. It is funny that in all the recipes on making sourdough, they make no mention as to when the contain that contains the starter dough is to be cleaned. I have visions of a gloopy growth on the jar going progressively a manky grey colour.

The jar is carefully rinsed and dried before the mixed starter is returned. No extra water was added this time and it seems the better for it. I am rewarded later on in the day by a good increase in ‘froth’ and I resolve to leave it alone until day 9, when it can be used.

Day 9

Working out how long this is going to take, and bearing in mind the long 2^nd proving time (10 – 13 hours), the decision is made to start this off about 3.00pm. The starter, flour salt and water are mixed together into a rough wet dough, then placed on a working surface that has a small amount of olive oil and knead for around 10 minutes. I am amazed at how quickly the rough dough becomes smooth and flexible. Then the dough is put into a bowl, covered and left for 5 hours.

It is at this point that I realise I may have a problem with the next bit. The recipe calls for  the dough to be split into two and then each to be put on a tray and covered with a plastic bag while it proves for 13 hours. The problem is that I don’t have a tray small enough to be put into a plastic bag, or a plastic bag big enough to cover the trays I have. Time for a think and a discussion with my beloved.

In the end, we (or rather I) decide to put the dough into two loaf tins and put each of those in a plastic bag. My husband, viewing the dough in the tins wonders aloud as to whether it (the dough) should have been divided into 3. Sadly, when I get up at 6.30am, I find that they are literally flowing over. Remedial work is required. The dough is taken out of the tins, divided into 3, each being roughly moulded and put into fresh tins for 5 hours. I mentally thank Mr Hollywood for advising that if the dough over proves then, it should be moulded back into shape and left for 5 hours. I’m not too sure what he would have said about my problem. And would I be listening or looking at those beautiful blue eyes?

After 5 hours the tins go into the hot oven. And we wait. I had always thought that the people on the Great British Bake-off must have been mad to be kneeing down looking at their latest great bake, but I find I’m doing exactly the same thing. And doing a really good exercise in holding my breath.

Finally, I judge that it is time to take the loaves out. They seem the right colour. There is no problem getting them out of the tins (another major concern as the dough did seem too wet), and I can see bubbles throughout each loaf. Maybe this has worked?

I can’t wait for the bread to fully cool down. My husband slices the bread, put some olive spread on and give to me to try. It tastes…….gorgeous!!  It has an almost cheesy taste – it’s distinctive anyway. Unlike the sourdough I had made before, there is no after taste. And it tastes tons better that what I had eaten in a café.. The description my husband gave was almost like a crumpet and I would have to agree with him. One day on and having had bread for breakfast and lunch, I do believe I'm addicted and looking forward to honing my skills to make this wonderful type of bread. But will all go smoothly?

Living Sourdough - Part 1

Ever since I read a book where the heroine made sourdough bread every day, I've been captivated by the thought of making the same (By Bread Alone by Sarah-Kate Lynch). In this book, she was taught, I think, by her first love – a Frenchman; her husband also loved her for her skill. And he could tell her state of mind by her making, or not making of that bread.

The whole thing was so well described; it has just made me want to do it. And do you know what(?), it’s not easy. I have tried different recipes, with varying degrees of success. To be fair, there has been only one occasion when I had to throw the sourdough starter away because it didn't start and began to smell very peculiar. But to make sourdough bread that I could be proud of hasn't happened yet.

Add to the scenario a husband (my ownxx) who cooks sublime wholemeal bread in batches for a weeks supply and who would like me to get involved in this whole baking process and you have nearly the current position. My last effort was from a Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall recipe that I found. The bread was edible, but it wasn't going to set the world alight and was far better toasted than fresh. And following a lunch in a café where I ate some of the sourdough bread, I came home and threw the starter away. This wasn't for me, I thought.

Until, one weekend a few weeks ago, in my weekend Telegraph papers, I found bread recipes from that gorgeous Paul Hollywood. And there was a section on ….you guessed it – sourdough. Reading through the very clear instructions, I felt my spirits rise. Maybe, I could do it – maybe this time I could produce sourdough to be proud of.

This week I made a start, having purchased one of those glass Kilner air tight jars in which to put the starter in and organic apples, one of which was to be grated to the flour and water mix as the starter base.

As I mixed the flour and water together in the prescribed quantities, I was a bit perplexed as it seemed very dry. In fact there was a lot of loose flour around. So I added a little more water, remembering that the amount of water that you add is sometimes dependent on the flour (I hoped). The grated apple came next. Then everything was put in the glass jar which was shut up and put in my study.

The first day was rather quiet, although after twenty four hours, I could see a few small bubbles. By the end of the second day, things were definitely on the move with the mixture rising up the jar. At the end of the third day, the bubbly mixture had dropped down to its original level, and was ready for feeding.

Reading the instructions carefully, I measured out the flour and the water – again, a very dry mix and a little more water added. I then opened the jar to find that the bubbly mixture was a sticky glutinous bubble mix, better than I had seen before. It was a shame to have to dispose of half the mix, but this I duly did and added the rest to the flour and water mix. Again, I was startled to see as I was stirring large bubbles appearing on every stir of the spoon. I felt a lot more confident – maybe this was going to work.

 The mixture was placed back into the container, which was shut up for two more days. I can tell you that at the moment, it, after two hours has recommenced bubbling and I will keep you in touch as to my and its progress.

Achievements and High Drama!

It seems like a time for achievements in my life. After years of not being able to do much on a day to day basis, I'm gradually starting to feel my way. Projects are getting completed and come with a great deal of satisfaction at the work done.

An example of this is a project I was asked to do last year, the construction of a trophy book for a flower arranging club. This not only involved the calligraphy work, but a small amount of book binding as well as a cover completed in cross stitch. As you can see, it has come out well. I gave it to the person who requested it last Sunday, who appeared very pleased by the work.

Then, just when you think that setbacks are a thing of the past, high drama occurs at Brighton Marina. I had gone with a friend to see the latest Star Trek movie. It so happened that it was in 3D. I had never seen a film in 3D before, so was looking forward to the experience.

The film was great; the 3D glasses appeared OK. As the film neared it's conclusion, I thought 'I do feel a bit nauseous,' but put it down to being in a relatively small room with a large screen. As we got up to go out of the cinema, I started to feel very strange - not dizzy but spaced out, very disorientated; so much so that my friend, who is in her 70's, had to hold onto me. At one point I was leaning against the wall outside of the cinema because I felt so strange. Eventually we moved to an area where there were seats and I had a glass of water. After around 30 minutes, when I started to feel better, I drove my friend to her home where she made me lie down for a while, before I drove very carefully home.

Looking on the Internet, I found that people have experienced side effects watching films in 3D. It just never occurred to me that I might be one of them. It was quite a bad experience because, although I thought the film was very good, I'm now not going to be able to think of it without remembering this 'funny turn', which is a shame.

What to Do With All This Energy?

What do you do when you seem to have more energy that you have had for years?

Well, first you don’t believe it. For quite a while now I have been operating on the principle of doing a little bit of whatever I felt able to do, then resting for a short while, then doing a bit more. It became a little frustrating, but I had learned from bitter experience that if I disregarded this advice that I had been given then I would pay for it in tiredness and not being able to do anything.

Then, after my operation last year, I could sense things had changed a bit. I felt better in myself, but still knew I had to be careful over what I was doing. Indecision then became the name of the game. I was never very sure what I was capable of doing and, in a way frightened that if I overdid it, it would be back to the beginning again. So, for a long time, I was taking baby steps of progress, not sure whether I was doing the right thing or not.

This year, and especially over the past couple of weeks, it’s like the energy has gone into overload. Whether the extra light with the clocks going back and the Winter giving way to Spring has been a feature, I really don’t know, but it feels quite astonishing.

One of the things that really gripped me was the Facebook games. I felt, ‘well if I can’t do anything else, I can do those.’ The problem was they were gripping me and I found I was occupying large amounts of time to them during a day (not several hours, but around a couple). I knew it wasn't good for me but was too fearful to change. It’s when you start to do the games that are so obviously for children that you have to start thinking, ‘what is going on?’

Last Saturday, all that changed. I made the decision to stop playing Facebook games and to concentrate on my interests; our house, my calligraphy and my writing course. All these had been suffering before. The past few days have been interesting. I have had more time and have been able to concentrate on those aforementioned things. I have done things that I have wanted to get on with for some time. Even housework is getting done. I might even spring clean!

I'm not saying I don’t feel tired. I do! And I'm ready for bed in the evening. But it’s not the bone aching weariness that I used to go through and my life has more colour. As I improve in health, my confidence grows and in that growth, I find I am accomplishing more than I have done in a long while. Long may it continue.

Weighty Issues

Where has this month gone? Having had good intentions to write on this blog more regularly, I find myself hijacked by events and circumstances, which make sitting quietly and just writing difficult. So, to my shame, not a lot has got writ this month.

I will admit that it is partly my own fault. I do get so easily side tracked. However, with our parish magazine needing to be put together and calligraphy writing to be done on a project a friend has asked me to do, I find that the time has just vanished. Both items take time and effort to carry out, so I am not whipping myself too hard.

April has been a good month in many ways. I am being consistent in my weight loss and the steroid dose is gradually reducing – down to 5mg now. And I have bought some new clothes that actually fit. I find I am at the moment a size 16. At one point, my waist size even defied size 18 clothes, so it is a relief to find that I am getting to a more normal size.

My snoring seems to be reducing. On my visit to my ENT consultant, the matter was discussed with him. He agreed that I did need to lose more weight, but also suggested I purchase a kind of mouth guard to wear at nights, which would supposedly help stop the snoring. This I duly bought and have now got. Alan, however, suggested that I move back to the marital bed to assess what the snoring was now like, and has pronounced that it was a lot better than before. So there was no need to buy the mouth guard at all (at present)!

My current project is making sour dough bread – a subject worthy of a blog site all of its own. I have had some fascinating happenings with the sour dough starter, the first one that I have developed that seems to have a mind of its own. Happy days.

We have also found out, we think what the problem is with our poor back lawn. Apparently, it is due to the grass clippings not being raked up after mowing (we didn’t have a box on our mower). A thatch has developed on the lawn over the past few years, which has meant that new grass has not been able to develop properly, hence the bald patches. More hard work for my poor husband.

Thoughts From Sussex's Little Secret: Writing - the things you learn

Thoughts From Sussex's Little Secret: Writing - the things you learn: After saying I was going to write once a month, I feel moved to write earlier because of things I am learning about the writing process....

Writing - the things you learn

After saying I was going to write once a month, I feel moved to write earlier because of things I am learning about the writing process.

Books I have read about the writing process say that you should be organised, or, at least organise your writing files and the items that you use to aid your in this process. I mentioned this to my husband, who smiled. You see, he has never considered me very organised – which I'm not. On the outside, and to others, I may appear so, but I do remind myself of a swan; looking altogether smooth at a surface, but underneath, unseen by anyone, the legs are moving at a furious pace. I look around sometimes and I shudder, wondering how I am going to find things.

These books tell me that I should also plan what I want to do. They talk about planning your time to write in. Oh, would that I could. I have this sort of butterfly mentality, where, if something crops up during the day, I don’t normally stop to think as to whether I should do it at another time, or whether it is urgent; I dip straight in, flying from one thing to another, usually at the expense of other projects.

Belatedly, for the age I am, I am realising that this can’t go on. And slowly, day by day I am learning that you will only do the things you would like to do if you make the choice to focus on them and to schedule the time to do it. I desperately want to write; to produce work that people will want to read. But I can only do this if I practise the art of writing. It doesn't just happen. It’s one of the reasons I joined up on the Creative Writing Course with the Writer’s Bureau – I felt I needed feedback as to what I was doing and to improve my skills.

So, I am trying to plan; to discipline myself to follow that plan and to get more organised. I do believe the organising bit is the worst, because it is not just the paperwork aspect but the computer files as well. I also think that it has shoved itself into the fore front because in starting up a new course, I have also produced more new files – this at a time when I am also helping with a new news letter with my church, which has also resulted in new paper files AND computer files.

Still, I can only do so much. At a time when I haven’t felt as good in years, and have more energy than I have had in quite a time, I don’t want to squander what I have and make myself ill again. I realise that I have choices to make as to what I really want to do and what is important in my home, my husband and church life. The very good thing is that it feels like a gift and a wonderful opportunity and I intend to grab it with both hands.

Cholesterol, Snoring and Writing

Nearing the end of February and I did promise myself that I would write once a month, only I had a tummy bug last week, which lasted for a few days, and my mind was on other things (if you get my meaning!). So, here goes.

It’s been a good month generally. I had my blood test result for my thyroid and cholesterol. The thyroid level has stayed the same and my cholesterol level is 6.9, which I thought was rather high. I did query this with the doctor, as I had to see him about my fantastic snoring (more later). He told me that my ‘good’ cholesterol was 2 and indicated that my diet was good. When they run it through a programme which works out all the risks, apparently, I come out as low risk. However he did agree with me that I should cut out the amount of tea/coffee I was having as that can increase cholesterol levels, and 8 cups of caffeine drinks was too much.

My first marked assignment came back from the Writers Bureau – from a tutor called Alex Gazzola. Apparently, I can write and he liked my style. I was pleased with his comments. I'm currently working on the second assignment, which is infinitely more challenging. I'm hoping to send it to him next week, God willing. I have to say I'm enjoying the challenge.

Alex also mentioned that I should broaden my reading of magazines and newspapers, which I'm duly doing. I have to say that it has livened my reading quite a bit. I think I had got into a bit of a rut. Not any-more!

Now we are fully into Lent, I have given up, for the whole period of Lent, computer games on Facebook. I can’t say it was an easy decision, but I am finding that I have more time to do things and my eyes are less sore. It was rather over-occupying my time and when I want to do this writing course and accomplish something, something else had to go. I do wonder whether I will go back to the same games again – we shall see.

With the weather being as it has been (cold and wet), going anywhere scenically interesting has not been an option really this month. We did however go to Exceat and walked through part of Friston Forest, before going across the road and near the Cuckmere. Back to the cafe for a tea and chocolate cake (bang goes the diet:( ).

I did say I would mention my snoring, which I actually went to the doctor to discuss rather than cholesterol levels. I am relegated to the small bedroom, as I am keeping both husband and dog awake at nights. The ultimate disgrace was when Jessie walked up the bed and tapped me on the shoulder – I think I must have been really spooking her. The doctor has told me to tell the ENT specialist next time I see him (in April). Meanwhile, he suggested that I should lose some weight – about 1 ½ to 2 stone – not easy when you’re on steroids!

On the church front, I had the enormous pleasure on being involved in the publishing on the first news sheet in quite a while. It’s not perfect – but what is? But I do feel that I have done something very new for me.  Now to continue the work with issue No. 2.

Finally, take a look at our poor lawn in the picture. Alan and I don’t know quite what has happened. We think that it is a result of Alan cutting it rather short late last year. We’ll have to wait and see whether it grows back. Any advice gratefully received.

January - New Beginnings

January – New Beginnings

This is always the month for fresh starts. I know I am not alone in thinking that now is the time to look after my health more, or to begin or attempt new things. And so I look to the start of this year with fresh hopes for the future.

It is also a time to look back. The past twelve months have been very special. Since my nose operation in January, things have definitely improved. Alan has said many times throughout 2012 that he has never known a year where we have been able to pack so much into it. I understand what he means. It was the first year with both of us not working and in reasonable health. Work was done in the garden, which is still looking so lovely, even now. We were also able to improve on the fabric of our home. I had a new computer. We purchased a new carpet for the hall and lounge; the study got a makeover; a new cooker was bought; and I think we really felt the benefit of our move to Seaford.

2013 appears for me to be the time to build on the work of 2012. We have both lost weight since Alan’s high cholesterol result (Alan having lost over a stone in two months and myself, 7lbs). We have both felt the benefits. Clothes don’t feel quite so tight and walking is not such an effort. This work I know we will continue.

I have signed up for a creative writing course with The Writers Bureau. The time has come to see whether my writing is worth publishing and whether it is possible to earn any money from it. I have been thinking about this for so long, but now I will be doing something about it. And it feels good. I sent the first assignment off this Monday (14^th) and am now going into the next book on the course.

One thing I have realised is that this is going to take an awful lot of organisation and perseverance to follow through, together with a bit of sacrifice. I know that in order to do this course, other things are going to have to go by the board. The trouble is, I’m not sure what. Alan feels that my card making should stop, but that is something that I enjoy. I am aware of just how long I spend on the computer doing computer games. I know that should stop, because just at the moment, I can see that there are no benefits to  the games, apart from me seeing those flashing lights and noises and the voices telling me how good I am.

Television is also under consideration. It is one of those habits that I have been in since childhood really – watching television every night. But why? Especially when some of the things that we watch aren’t even entertaining. It’s just something we do.

One thing I am resolved to do is to write down my experiences in this blog. I wanted to do it last year and got completely sidetracked. I want this year to be different and for writing to be a priority in my life.

Finally, just to compare, I leave you with a winter photo of our garden.