Warmth

I think the week between Christmas and New Year is probably my favourite week of the year. The stress of Christmas is behind us, tummies are full, hearts are happy and the fridge is full of leftovers. The weather is just cold enough that I don’t feel guilty curling up with a good book and a hot whiskey but not so cold that I can’t get out for a long walk with the dog to work off some of that stuffing.

This is the one week of the year when I genuinely allow myself to take things easy. I don’t do well doing nothing – I like to keep myself busy. I love to feel tired at the end of the day, to feel I’ve achieved something. Some days it’s something small, others something more significant. This week. though, I’m exhausted from Christmas preparations and festivities so I’m happy to take a little time out to reflect on the past year and how much we’ve achieved in such a short period of time.

2014 HIGHLIGHTS:

• The year started with my first foray into butchering my own meat. We bought half a pig which I butchered into portions on our tiny kitchen table.
• We made a casting video for a hugely popular American TV show, which I shared as it included a tour of the “before” stage of our house remodelling project.
• We had a wonderful Easter in our friends’ garden followed by a sunset walk by the sea.
• I planted lots of vegetables in our garden which provided us with many meals and sweet treats.
• We bought some hens and acquired a cock. The hens were wonderful and provided us with plenty of eggs. The cock gave me a good run for my money, but came good in the end.
• I turned 40.
• We went to a food festival in Klaipėda, Lithuania’s city by the sea.
• We were interviewed for our local newspaper.
• We went to a fabulous Lithuanian wedding.
• I won a “Photo of the Year” award and was a finalist in the Irish Blog Awards.
• We were filmed for a TV show, which we hope will be airing early in the New Year.
• My beloved hens got sick and many of you came to our aid with advice on how to get them better.
• I did a very special photo shoot.

After all that we’re ready to put our feet up and relax in the warmth of our wonderful new home.

To all of you who took the time to read and to comment – thank you so much. Your company is very much appreciated. I love writing but it really is no fun if no one is listening. Having you along for company makes all the work worthwhile.

May 2015 bring wonderful things for us all.

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