HERE'S HOPING FOR A GREAT NEW YEAR!

The New Year is coming in, filled with hope for us all, after perhaps the most difficult and saddest year we can remember.
May we wish that all your hopes and wishes, dreams and ambitions are fulfilled and that you and those you love have a Happy New Year.

Well, to say that Christmas was 'different' is probably the understatement of the decade - having said that, I hope there were times of joy, and friendship and perhaps some moments of fun for you too. Most of our family were separated from each other so we were fortunate to be able to share the day with one son, and see another and his family for a short time. Thank heavens for modern connectivity so that we can all remain in touch to some degree.
 
So......I forgot the crackers (next year then), and forgot to switch on the Christmas tree lights until Boxing Day. Our very large chicken tasted great, and is now casserole, soup or frozen. The wine held up.......still not had the Christmas pud....The chocolates will last a long time, and Santa brought us Christmas stockings for the first time in living memory.... we did at least cut the Christmas cake.

In our house all Christmas trappings are removed on New Year's Eve so that the next year starts anew - the law according to my Granny. I suspect that with a large family she was just desperate to have a clear up, but it works for me.

Today's modern miracles are being achieved by scientists, medical researchers, amazing volunteers, medics and nurses, ancilliary workers and the frontline workers, be they in an ambulance or a supermarket.  Thank you.

Thank you for looking - Happy New Year.
Robin x

 

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

 It's that time of year again.....and what a strange, difficult and often sad year it has been.
However, let's look forward if we can with optimism.


We should like to wish you all a VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS and BRIGHT NEW YEAR!! May all your wishes for 2021 come true, and you and your families stay safe.

Two Christmas cards  for you this year, especially commissioned from our youngest granddaughters. Hmmm, yes we think it's Christmas pussy cat too - hope it gives you a smile.
Thank you all for lots of lovely blogs to read and a real spirit of friendship.


Thank you for looking.
Robin x

It's Just a Chair

Back in the day...the 1950s I expect....a lovely old chair, an American style rocking chair was transported by train in the baggage van from Newcastle-on-Tyne to a little market town in what was then Berkshire (it's now Oxfordshire).  In those days there were numerous small branch lines, so it came via Oxford and Swindon, almost to the door.

 

 I'm assuming the chair is late C19th and I've no idea where it was constructed, but I remember it as a child and somewhere under that uphostery on the back was glued an old newspaper in far eastern script. The back panel and seat were actually carpet - some kind of junk type boat featured on the back.  It's been recovered and a cushion added a few times since then.

 Anyway.....it originally belonged to my Geordie Granda, came to my Dad and the family and in due course came to me.  (Back in the day, like The Railway Children my sisters and I would sit on the fence and wave at the steam trains as they went past.......yep I'm ancient!)

We moved about a bit - downsized - and one of our sons and his family gave it a home for many years.....but now, short of space there, it has come home to me again. It's had a full life so needs a minor repair and a polish but it's so nice to see it again!! I would say how lovely it is to sit in it - but our mad cat has declared it HIS!

Although during our Coombe Crafts days, my other half created many beautiful miniature chairs, he never attempted one like this - I wonder if anyone else has?

In our  soggy and chilly garden the winter-flowering jasmine is putting on a wonderful show and the 'Freckles' clematis presents a discreet but modest show on the other side of the archway.  I've just noticed the first spring bulbs pushing out their noses, so maybe spring is not as far away as we think. 

Thank you for looking and stay safe.
Robin x