Hello 2022! This week has flashed past. Whilst I had been thinking we have had a lazy week, we have seen in the new year, had my birthday, a family get-together, a trip to Chichester, farewell to the old wardrobe and a huge phew.
We had agonised about selling the wardrobe but in the end it had to go. The couple who bought it traveled up from Hastings and we certainly had some good vibes from them as they’re planning to restore it and use it for its purpose.
Following on from the wardrobe, this week we were pleased to receive a photograph of an antique shaving stand which someone had bought from us. It needed some TLC and now looks splendid in its new surroundings. Sometime earlier we sold a c.1920 swivel chair which has also been restored to its former glory. Please don’t think we are emptying the house, far from it, just rationalising what we keep. Alternatively you might think we are turning into antique dealers; now wouldn’t that be a hoot? No, I don’t think we are but I quite like some of the bits and pieces we have around, a kind of antidote for Ikea.
The family get-together on Sunday was marvellous. Everyone was under strict instructions to do a LFT before coming (such a sign of the times) and to kick their shoes off in the porch. There were 12 of us and everything worked well. Somehow getting together like this seems even more important these days. Mind you, I thanked everyone for being brave as I inflicted veggie curry and a kind of spag bol on everyone. There have been no reports of food poisoning since, my cuisine might be looking up.
Monday was a day of everyone vanishing, heading back to their various homes dotted around. Mum went back home, Becky and David went back to Exeter and we took Hannah back down to Chichester. The house seemed rather empty and quiet when we got back. In the days afterwards, we took down the Christmas decorations and I hoovered the Quirky Museum from top to bottom.
During the week I paid a regular visit to the hygienist who normally tuts as she prods around in my mouth prior to shot blasting my teeth. This time was much better, just a good clean and told me I must return in another three months, plus the price has gone up and was that okay? As I walked down the stairs to reception, I realised the price rise was 8% and I wondered if this was the shape of things to come.
As always I am so hopeful about the year ahead, have all kinds of big ideas and looking forward to seeing the daylight grow a little each day. I have to keep these things in perspective, important to manage my own expectations and not fill my head with ambitious plans which never happen. Perhaps somehow, I am a tiniest bit older and wiser?