A very Happy New Year to all my loyal visitors to this blog. Thank you for all the inspiring comments. wise words, and encouragement - you make it all worthwhile.
"Happy New Year, Outlook Stormy" seems to be the general message here in England and throughout much of Europe, not only in weather terms but economically and politically. But in our village in Kent, the rainstorms have brought a reminder that kindness and neighbourliness go a long way to dispelling the gloom. At a time when we all read about fractured communities, it's quite something to realise, as a friend put it last night at a big riotous dinner party (within walking distance from home for all but two of the guests) that we could all knock at any door on the High Street and offer or ask for help.
As the year begins, the rain is still falling steadily but it really is warm inside, despite the dripping and quirky leaks of our old houses, taking on water like ancient ships.
