Happy New Year!

I'd like to think it will be a Happy New Year for everyone, with all the good things those wishes are meant to convey. But with all the gloom that descended on us at the end of 2008, it seems we all may be in for an uncomfortable year ahead. So let me just say I hope we can at least hold on to our health and humour to see us through what may be very rough tough times for some of us.

I chose to spend christmas day on my own, not knowing what kind of mood I'd be in on the day. In fact, I was quite OK - phone calls with the family in the UK and various friends too. Had a very lazy chilled day and enjoyed my traditional christmas dinner late in the afternoon. Sara was disappointed that her parcels hadn't arrived in time. Before christmas I told them all they weren't to buy me anything but to hang on to their money or spend it on their children. She'd already asked if I'd like the Dairy Diary gift set, always good value for money, and told me she'd bought me some new trousers too, inexpensive but she had a pair and thought I'd like the same. (One of the 'disadvantages' of losing weight is having to say goodbye to favourite clothes and replace them). She also said she and the boys had clubbed together to buy me a present anyway - *tut*. The parcel duly arrived and the 'mystery' gift turned out to be a Polaroid I835 8mp digital camera - beautiful! After recent disasters with all my other cameras this was truly a gift from heaven! The trousers (Tesco Florence and Fred) are a size 12 and a perfect fit! Brought home to me (if nothing else has) just how much slimmer I am!

Between Christmas and New Year's Eve I met up with the girlfriends for lunch and had a meal out with the U3A Saturday group, both good fun and most enjoyable.

Last night (New Year's Eve) I picked Nick up, then drove to John and June's to follow them to the villa on Monte Pedreguer where we were staying the night. What a drive! Right to the top of a small mountain over a very rough road. John had already warned me I should follow him exactly in order to avoid the numerous potholes, some of which are so bad they're liable to ruin the car's tyres. The villa was very comfortable and I was lucky enough to have an ensuite with my room. We had cava and nibbles, and watched June's new James Taylor DVD, before getting ready to go to Monroe's. John started his set at 9 instead of 8 as it would be a long night for him - 3 hours with a short break to take us to midnight and see in the new year, followed by an hour or more of his Elvis tribute. I was surprised to see that the menu was the same as normal, nothing special, so obviously the higher price was because John was being paid three times his normal rate - and I don't think anyone would begrudge him a single centime! The restaurant was full though June thought there weren't as many people as last year. Shed a few tears for Derek when the new year came in. Otherwise it was a lovely evening and we got back to the villa about 2 a.m. More wine followed before we all retired to bed - boy, were we ready for it! Didn't take enough photos but here are a couple taken at the villa:

Arrived back home about 11.30 this morning nursing a slightly sore head and planning to chill for the rest of the day!

Looking back on 2008 I think it's safe to say that my life has changed almost beyond recognition, far more than I expected this time last year. Managing to lose most of my excess weight is one reason, re-discovering my love of the music of my youth (50s and 60s) and thus opening doors to new friendships another, and there've been many other things which made the year pretty good on the whole.

As for 2009, my priority is to sell the house - other than that I'll take what comes and make what I can of it!

I feel a siesta coming on, so I'll sign off by wishing you and yours my very best wishes for the coming year.