I totally disengaged myself from the news, and let the world carry on spinning without a thought. It was lovely to stroll in the woods with the dog and my husband. Picking up sticks and filling our big garden bag full of kindling wood for our fire.
The weather was mild, and only one morning of white frosted icing over everything that lasted until after lunchtime. Crispy leaves to walk through, and so many blue tits visiting the bird table. I think one of the birds I saw 'climbing' the house was either a stonechat, or a chifchaf. It seemed to like climbing up the house, so I am more inclined to think this tiny bird that was very pale buff underbelly and slightly darker wings was the stonechat.
I am just getting back into my little diary for now but I will put up those two new pictures tomorrow.
I pray everyone was able to celebrate their winter solstice celebrations peacefully. That there were some generous offers of sharing the celebrations, and not leaving people lonely.
It's good to invite people, and share what you have. It's a good thing to carry on doing this year too I think, because times may get a bit dismal for some people. Sharing a meal or an evening together beats being insular, lonely, and feeling that we don't care about each other.
When we have friends round we say it's an informal supper, just so we can offer spaghetti, or something simple. It is better for us too, because it's not so much to clear up. I was given strict instructions by the psychiatrist before Christmas not to see friends, or get 'high'. We managed to keep entertaining, and being entertained to six evenings!
One evening involved the despatch of about 4.5k chickens, due for some meat product, probably dog food. I like to experience these things first hand. These are free to roam chickens, but they don't actually like going outside, they prefer it in the chicken house. It's huge and they can all run around as much as they like. They have a huge field too.
I think if I am prepared to eat eggs and chicken products, I must also be prepared to get my hands dirty helping to put them on the lorry to go to the slaughterhouse. It was disturbing, but not cruel. Not in my opinion anyway. It seemed like mayhem, but to get that many chickens on the lorry in just over 2 and a half hours, was pretty amazing. Then all the helpers went back to the French farmer's house for a great feast of Galletes and sausage, salad, wonderful cream boulangere potatoes, and crepes. Got home at about 1pm.
My Husband gave both of us some very comfy and warm slippers, and bought each of us watches. Mine is a watch and a bracelet matching with crystals in the band. He was delighted to get them off Amazon for a 3rd of their normal price, and I am delighted with mine. I told him I wasn't sure about that much 'bling' on him, but after a few days I got used to it!
I am still managing to function without parting with any money. Himself does all the shopping. I haven't wanted anything, except a sewing magazine I like to buy in France called Boutique which is a dressmaking magazine with patterns in it. I have quite a few, so I just need to get them out and look at the ones I have got!
Well that's me for today, I will load up some photos tomorrow.
A very happy and worry free year for anyone reading this. May you be truly blessed with a sense of peace, and a desire to be at peace with everyone around you.