Saturday, 31 December 2011

As The Year Winds Down....

I pause to think over the year just gone by & am counting my blessings for many things, which include gaining another grandchild, a 'pink one' Yasmin Millie Deedee, born to my youngest son Paul & his lovely lady Leona & a sister for Mason! We also celebrated my father's 80th Birthday which allowed extended family members to catch up & see how thier families have grown too!


There were also sad moments along the way, back in March my dear Mother had a fall at home & left her with a nasty break to her ankle which required surgery. Then she contracted the dreaded MRSA bug, she still hasn't healed now & still needs regular dressings!


My pain levels have been through the roof this past year & my mobility has definately worsened. I am lucky that I am a patient of the reknowned Royal Mineral Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases in Bath, where I spent 9 days as an in patient in October! There I was told that my Ankylosing Spondylosis is now very active, so I am due to receive a new medication in the New Year, there have been some positive feedback from this new drug, my consulting team are quite positive that it will help me! On a positive note I met some wonderful people, fellow patients with a whole range of rheumatic conditions, friendships that are continuing now that I am back home. It's helpful to get this support from others that really do understand why I am like I am & not having to explain myself all the time or apologise that I am unable to manage something or keep an a appointment or a date!


I started The Craft Cupboard on Facebook, a group where fellow crafters could sell on thier unwanted craft supplies, I had no idea how popular it would be, but apart from a few teething troubles, it has gone from strength to strength, so much so that I ended up creating a second group, to allow the members to be able to show what they have made, share knowledge & tips & techniques, along with challenges, inspiration station for those days when craft block sets in! I then noticed that some members liked to sell thier handmade goods, so a third group was created to allow this to take place. This means that The Craft Cupboard is now a Trilogy .... I think I will leave it there though, because I couldn't cope with anymore, even with my happy band of admin members!


My middle son Steve has just turned his childhood dream into reality, by qualifying as a Fire Fighter, my other oldest son was asked to step up as Head Chef for The Castle Hotel in Castle Coombe & my youngest son has managed to get himself a job after some years of unemployment. I am very proud of all of them, in fact all four of my lads!


My partner Alex's son left school this year & is now at college studying engineering & his 2 younger daughters are growing up fast.


I spent a very happy Christmas weekend at the home of my oldest sons Kevin (he's a twin) & his lovely wife Donna (I'm convinced she is a direct decendant of Mother Nature herself) & family!
I can't remember the last time I saw so much fabulous food & drink under one roof,certainly not since my 4 sons grew up & left home, it was so special to be sat watching my grandsons opening thier gifts from Santa  ;)


I will see the year out at home, with Alex & his two daughters who are staying with us for the week, we will be playing games, watch a nice film & just be content to have survived another year!


I wonder what next year holds for me?
Whatever it is, I will do my best to make the most of it & stay as happy & mobile as I am able to do, share both laughs & tears & be thankful for my family, friends.


Happy New Year to you all









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