I want to send a huge thank you to all my readers for enriching my days through this difficult year. Every comment, every like, every repost means the world to me.
This has been a really hard year. For some people, harder than others. Somehow, writing blog posts has cheered me up because it takes me out of my daily life and into the security of writing, which has always soothed me.
On New Year’s Eve, my husband and I have always gone to dinner and a show, and then back home before midnight to be with the cats during the fireworks. Last New Year’s Eve I had this awful premonition and kept telling him I was sure that 2020 would be a bad year. At the time I brushed it off as disappointment that we had had to cancel our trip to South Africa to see my family at the last minute, combined with my seasonal affective disorder flaring due to the lack of snow and constant rain last winter. I don’t normally have bad feelings about things but that day I really did.
Many good things have happened this year – we bought our dream apartment, we adopted another cat, we travelled to Dublin, we bought a new Harley, I have been really busy at work, Fluffy has lived longer than we could dream, my family is healthy. But on the other hand the constant uncertainty, the total upheaval on mental, emotional, practical, and economic levels, the cancellation of two more trips to South Africa (leaving me uncertain as to when and if I will ever see my loved ones again), the death of two friends (one of COVID-19), and the constant shifting of the ground under our feet really affected me. I think the worst thing has been the constant flow of coronavirus news, statistics, instructions. Wherever you look, COVID-19 is there. As signage, arrows on the floor, plastic screens, newsflashes, news headlines, press conferences, laws, recommendations, masks, hand sanitiser – you name it.
Last week, every day brought rising cases, rising death tolls, new restrictions, bankruptcies, closures more people not obeying the rules, and more and more press conferences with the Prime Minister telling us how dire the situation is. I think that in itself is anxiety-inducing.
But on the bright side, each day I appreciate life and health. Every day I cuddle the cats and tell my husband I love him. I phone my family more often, I appreciate small things. I pamper my skin and hair more, I use my best things every day. I can sleep later in the morning when I am working at home (which at the moment is all the time), I can work surrounded by cats. No trudging with heavy bags in the snow and rain. I can go for walks at lunchtime.
And I appreciate every person who reads me and who tells me they enjoy my blog. Thank you so much and I wish health and happiness for each and every one of you. My heart goes out to you if you have been badly affected by this pandemic. As 2021 approaches I hope with all my heart that it is a better one. How are you all doing during this pandemic? How has it affected you?
I think all the replies above say it perfectly how much we appreciate all you do with your posts! You’ve been a beacon of light every morning when I look to see what you’ve written up for the day. I love showing my husband all your photos – he LOVES your husband’s desk in the sun looking over the water!
I feel horrible you weren’t able to go back home to South Africa this year… My son and I haven’t been able to travel to see each other with him in Utah and me in Massachusetts so I know how you feel not being able to see your loved ones.
This certainly has been a very strange year. My husband travels extensively abroad, including four trips to India per year. I think the cat and the dog are the happiest about him being home! Being out of work I’ve been finding ways to fill the time when I usually would be going into Boston and visiting my favorite museums.. I’ve learned how to play Suduko, pastel drawing, perfecting my cursive writing, and my volunteer nonprofit work as well as reading lots of books.
Sending you hugs!
Tha ks for posting every day, Ja et. You’ve been a boon to me and hubby particularly this year. He is a iker too, so enjoyed the trip you took. Were in lockdown again, although
We come out on the 2nd December, even though infections and deaths are not down. I am only listening to the news once a day, more often and ut gets depressing. I read, study German and Latin, and have taken to reading Egypgology. I find,keeping the brain active, sleeping a little more and gardening, when the weather allows, ,keeps me calm and relatively content. We 23nt organic before last December and have found a new pleasure in eating electable, fruit and meat with enhanced taste and less carbon footprint.
Sent with best wishes for the health of you, your husband and the followers of your blog.
Thank YOU Janet, your blogs and posts are always a delight to read amongst all the doom and gloom. I know there will always be an email with your blog every morning and I read that first!
So sorry to hear that you have lost friends this year. I too lost one of my closest friends. Not through Covid, but I think he may have lived if the hospitals were seeing people as normal. So that’s made me feel so angry, coupled with not being able to go to his funeral to mourn him. It’s going to take a long time time to get over his death.
I hope you get to take your trip to South Africa soon 😊
Janet,
I’m sure I speak for others (your fans!) when I say that I appreciate all that you have done/do for us. You have opened our eyes to lots of things that we would normally not know about. You’ve shared bits and bobs about your life, which some bloggers don’t do.
Although life tries to take us down, you always see the silver lining in the dark clouds, which is wonderful because some people tend to dwell on the negativity, even to the point where it’s almost like a calling for them.
Thank you for being a bright spot in my day, for sharing your life and interests, and for being in our lives!
P.S. The above is a gorgeous picture of you! <3
P.P.S. I don't let the constant covidcovidcovid coverage get to me, as I chose not to watch the telly (haven't for years), listen to the radio or read newspapers/magazines. I would advise others to do the same, otherwise it will really get under your skin.