Yawn Yawn Wakey Wakey 2025

I did get some weeding done this morning and moved a paving slab I probably shouldn't have. On with the Voltarol quick! Enjoyed being outside though as it was a tad milder this morning and I needed to get out of my daughter's way whilst she was packing. Tempers were beginning to fly. She's just rung to say she's back in Devon after a busy journey on the M5 so I hope your family have a better journey going the opposite way @Ergates.

I don't like New Year either, not a day I've ever celebrated much. We go to bed early and usually manage to sleep through any fireworks with a bit of luck.

Our woodpecker has been back as well, busy aerating the lawn for us.

Enjoy the outing with the dogs @Penny_Forthem. I've ordered crispy duck with pancakes and spring onions for tomorrow night for a change followed probably with a few of the many chocolates we have left over.

I did 6509 steps yesterday according to my phone @AuntyRach so I was very pleased with that.
Haven't bothered to count them today as I didn't do the usual walk. Hope you get on with the step machine ok.

 

@Ergates and @lizzie27 I'm another who would rather go to bed and wake up in the new year than stay up late and celebrate, though I quite liked it when I was young.

I did some pruning and clearing up in the garden today but I put on the gardening thread.

 

It was brisk, to say the least! We stopped at Nercwys forest and admired a beautifully turned out cob with plaited mane. I wanted to get on and ride away!
OH has aspirations of spending a few nights on the van before it closes on the 15th, for 6 weeks. Given the forecast, they remain aspirations!
We are not party animals on NYE any more. We used to have wonderful parties with our neighbours. In 1999 (the year that we thought life as we knew it might end....ha!) we had our neighbours and in laws, one of whom had been a freedom fighter in Namibia; it was a night to remember .... (if only....)
Helao Shityuwete - Wikipedia
A wonderful man.

 

Good evening,

It’s been cold here, but brightened up a bit this afternoon. We decided to go to a nearby English Heritage property and garden. Although the property was closed, the garden was open, along with the cafe. We had a lovely stroll around and then headed to the cafe for a hot chocolate, followed by another stroll around the garden. It really was beautiful, there was a feeling of calmness, stillness and quiet anticipation as we walked around. A few plants were beginning to push through and even the occasional narcissus was in flower. In a few weeks the snowdrops should be out, so we’ll go back then to admire them.

When we got back I watched a lovely programme narrated by Hugh Bonneville about the Alpine Express at Christmas. The scenery was breathtaking, though I noticed that there was nowhere near as much snow as in years gone by. (I went one Christmas probably about 40 years ago now to visit my brother who lived in Geneva at that time, and we travelled up into the mountains to the ski resorts and there was much more snow).

I’ve got dinner simmering in the oven now, I’ve used the last of the ham to make a type of cottage pie, then its feet up time and look for something interesting to watch on the tv for an hour.

 

Good evening all. I heard that very worrying news about the shooting @Busy-Lizzie but have not heard too much detail about it as yet. I can't even remember the last time I heard of a person being shot by the police in this country.
It is supposed to get to -2ºC tonight so I've decided to just leave the washing out - it won't come to any harm unless the birds are super active tomorrow. I'm enjoying these days of just pootling around in my own house and garden. As others have said, I am yet another one who doesn't stay up to see a new year in. As far as I am concerned, every day is the start of a new year. I hope that I am not disturbed by fireworks and that Cricket is safely indoors if there are any.
I got a nice email today from my energy company who told me that they are reducing my direct debit payments per month by just over £18. I had built up a nice buffer to cover winter usage and they told me that I do not need to pay as much as I had been doing. A nice end to 2025.
Fascinating read about that gentleman @Penny_Forthem. He sure came from a huge family.

 

Going to sign out for this evening so night night everyone. See you all tomorrow.

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A very good morning one and all. Really hard frost here last night so washing is probably as stiff as a board on the line. I'll investigate later. I hope everyone has a super day today as we see out 2025. My nicest memories will be the two teeny additions to the family - Eleanor Robin, who being in Australia will meet 2026 first, and Margot. Let's make the most of today. I want to get into the garden to see if I have any new flowers yet.

 

I wish you all the best @Ladybird4 and all others for the coming year.
Your pictures of the day made me always smiling and uplifting

 

Thank you so much @simone_in_wiltshire. x

 

Good morning all.

It's frosty here, don't think it's a gardening day.

My handyman has just sent a load of photos of my garden and orchard in France. He has worked hard since October, it all looks very tidy, hedge is trimmed, brambles from neighbour's wild area are cut back, apple trees are pruned. I will prune the roses and do weeding when we get back.

 

It sounds as if your handyman has turned out to be a good 'un @Busy-Lizzie. I must admit that I would be worried sharing my time between two homes. I guess you are used to it though.

 

No choice, @Ladybird4, but OH doesn't want to sell his home or live in France and all my children and grandchildren live in France and I don't want to sell my home either. I've lived in France for 40 years. I would prefer to live in England as I always feel it's home but then I wouldn't see much of my family. OH is ten years older than me so I may end up widowed again.

There are lots of cameras in both houses and gardens and I have a burglar alarm and an electric gate. Handyman pops round regularly to check things and pick up the post.

 

Morning folks.

It must be challenging @Busy-Lizzie but I can totally see why you live between the two homes - you obviously make it work. Two gardens is a positive in itself!

I must get a wriggle on - need to check in on Dad (might trim his hair) and do a few jobs. I’ll do my walk and step machine this afternoon then settle down for some TV and nibbles this evening.

May I take the opportunity to thank you all for your company and fellowship over this year. I look forward to chatting through 2026!

 

Happy new year to all.
My wife's older daughter always has a big new year bash. I must admit I'm trying to find an excuse not to go, I find it all a bit much these days. See you on the other side.

 

Hello to you all!

Sorry @Ladybird4 but New Zealand is first to see the NY in. We have already cracked a champagne toast at midday to my compatriots and family in NZ. Australia follows a couple of hours later as do N. Caledonia and the Pacific Islands,depending.... ... The French news always annonces that Australia is first but then .....

I was invited to spend Christmas with my niece and nephew who live in the Italian Alps. @Allotment Boy I would have gone via train, a twelve hour trip - I declined as the French railways are good for strikes and delays at Christmas and there would be 2 connections. But can you imagine the upward journey from Milan to destination - in the snow? Sheer magic. Maybe I willl attempt a trip in January when things are a bit quieter. Fizz would come too....muzzled.

NY is celebrated here - done and gone and this evening will be quiet with seafood and white wine. No bells and whistles. Yes, and I had a good dose of NY parties in the past, probably the last one being 1999/2000. Done my dash, very happy. Film and bed tonight as usual.

Glorious sun here - cold and no wind. The weekend is forecast dismal and rainy. What the heck?
Life goes on! Raclette on the menu.

I wish everyone on this thread and site, admin included, a healthy 2026.