Filing

When it comes to filing the mail we are the best. First if letter is not hand-written or does not contain money (we can smell cheques and postal orders and cash) then put in bin, second at the end of the day empty contents of bin onto open fire. Major rule - cats never read bank statements because we are going to die one day and someone else can worry about it. Parcels are the most fun because they always contain something nice.

And so that was Kissmas

Fabulos meal at Ye Olde Tyneside. Back to Mike's for poker - I can bluff them to tears! Then Mike's mum who is Spanish taught us a Spanish card game. Knackered today - so no boxing. Out of the 20 that were coming six came down with really bad flu but we managed! Phil and Sue just came back from Cuba and said it was the worst vacation they had had in their lives. Mike is coming out to Spain with me in January - so I am staying two weeks instead of one. The only downside to Kissmas was I had the most terrible EDS flare up and had to take OraMorph.

Hearts

I'm into hearts at the moment. I have a private tutor now because I can't get on with classes of people painting Norfolk scenes. He is teaching me printing methods, using different bits and pieces as background - the blue one was painted on silver foil and the other on gold foil. It is such a beautiful symbol to use and no-one knows if a splodge is a mistake or intentional! I am next embarking on a huge canvas which we are going to do together - he one half and me the other on the nature of the colour blue - there will be an empty space in the middle for another artist to fill in. Can't wait.

Greetings

A CONTENT AND PEACEFUL CHRISTMAS
AND A
HOPEFUL AND
LOVEFUL
NEW YEAR
I drew this is the earth yesterday

The kindness of friends and strangers

I love it when my friends call round and say 'would you like to go out somewhere - I'll drive'. I'm quite capable of driving but it takes so much energy. I love it when they just show up and we do something stupid like play dominoes. I loved it when Mike showed up this morning (just after I'd gotten back from Cromer Hospital) and said 'I've come to walk the dog'.
He must be psychic because I'd fallen that morning and dislocated my wrist and a complete stranger came up, thought it was broken, called the paramedics and came back with blankets and hot chocolate and took Treacle into his house. These little acts of kindness are so important to me - they are worth more than any treasure, money or gifts and I thank the Goddess that I have friends with so much heart.
Mike is coming back later on and we are going to paint together and he is bringing a little owl.
I wish you all contentment, pleasure and good company at this time of year.

Maybe you will understand me more

For all those who think Summer will never come...