Merry Christmas 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, this is Christmas 2012.

With all the talk of ‘Round Robin’ letters being unwelcome and seen as ‘boasting letters’ I have decided to desist. I know it was never my intention.  I do love hearing what everyone is up to and how they have got on – especially the children as they grow up and find their place in the world. We are rightly proud of them but only want to share that with those who enjoy hearing about them.

 

So, our year! We have remained pretty fit and, apart from the usual ‘over 60’ stuff have enjoyed a really good time. We could complain about the weather but I really can’t be bothered. I remember some lovely sunny days and a lot of fun. At the beginning of the year Heather had some fun down in the Falklands, visiting penguins and seals in that vast area.

I decided to buy our ‘Sue’ to complete a set of 4 labradors. We now have Molly, Teasle, and Bramble (Teasle’s daughter) and the white chocolate – with a hint of Madagascan vanilla – Sue.

In May we made up for being apart when we all went over to Tuscany for a lovely week’s holiday.  I rented a beautiful villa overlooking the beautiful Tuscan hills, with flashes of Tolkien in the distant ‘Mordor’, the adjacent ‘shire’ and an ‘enchanted forest complete with Unicorn’.  All the family and partners came along and we had a really lovely family holiday. We did a little sightseeing, a lot of relaxing and really enjoyed Mediterranean family meals out on the terrace and overlooking the valley.  A final day in Pisa completed the week as we journeyed home.

On our return we collected our pack and fetched them home ready for Teasle to produce a lovely litter of 10 puppies in June. That was, as ever, hard work – especially with the rains! I have to admit that puppies in wet weather is less fun than puppies and sunny days. All went to lovely homes and happily there are a few that are learning to work – very well. I get to see a few of them at training which is lovely.

 

September was planned to be back to normal and off for a wonderful holiday to Northumberland. We looked forward to having long walks and training with the dogs on a farm with fields, woods and a pond.  The coast was close by and we would catch up with Heather who stayed with us and travelled back and forth to work at Boulmer.  Even better, the lovely ladies there said Alistair could fly his airoplanes in the field. we borrowed a dog trailer from Gaynor and managed to get everything including Darcey, the puppy still living with us and had an absolutely wonderful week away. Darcey went to her forever home in October when we had our preChristmas for Heather.

 



Later in the year, unfortunately, my dad did fall and had a few weeks in hospital.  He is now back on his feet but, at 93 years old is, naturally, needing more help and support.

Alistair continues to enjoy his radio controlled flying although the weather puts a damper on that as it just isn’t possible in the rain and sever cold.  However, there is hope of some indoor flying if Santa comes up with the goods ;)

My hobby, of course, continues whatever the weather. I now have the enjoyment of teaching the beginners’ class with my wonderful friend and trainer, Gaynor. We have a lot of fun and it is great to see the girls working. Walking and training them keeps me out of mischief and keeps me fit!

Our Christmas will be one or two light as Heather is out in Afghanistan. We had one preChristmas Christmas before she went, with everyone home, but we will miss her over the Christmas week. We are missing her a lot although technology helps, with Whatsapp, emails and Skype (lovely to see her, but the webcam does me no favours!) keeping us in touch and blueys and parcels, while they take rather longer to arrive, are much appreciated. Zoe is now flying for Virgin and will be off to New York on Christmas day. Zoe’s husband, Shane will also be flying so their Christmas will be much like Alistair’s used to be. Stuart continues to enjoy his work and will be sharing Christmas with his lovely girlfriend, Ingrid’s family. 

We will be a quiet threesome on the 25^th,  although we will make sure there are a few bubbles to keep us going; the rest of the family will be coming on up over the next few days for a 3^rd Christmas on 28^th which will be our ‘real’ Christmas. We will have a great time.

Come the 31^st I am determined to stay awake and drink in my 62^nd year!!!  More bubbles :) Another fabulous year  ahead with the wonderful Alistair, my fabulous family and friends as well as my four legged pals.