It's Still Life

1. I am thankful that the storm (yes, another one, plus one more is sitting off-shore) that blew through West Sussex earlier this week didn’t cause too much damage. A few limbs fell, and no leaves left on the trees, but that means no more raking leaves (always looks on the bright side!) – I reckon what remained on the lawn blew across the channel into France (a possible explanation – why their prime minister, Barnier, was chucked out in a no-confidence vote this week). Vive la République!

2. I’ll be really thankful if this new storm, named “Storm Darragh”, which a few hours ago was given a “red flag” warning of 90-mph winds, doesn’t blow my house across the channel into France because I think our government (as feeble and back-pedalling as it is) is probably better than the lot they have over there. 

3. Storms? Phooey. Let it rain. Let it snow. Let it blow. I have winter tyres on my car now … thankfully.

4. I am overjoyed with this morning’s sunrise. I’ll not groan that it didn’t happen until 08:18 and that the sun will set at 15:50 (which is 3:50pm for those who ¡no entiendo! 24-hour time).

5. Thanks in abundance that the subject for my thesis was accepted, and that I can start working on that … but not until after my youngest son, his wife, and my two grandchildren return to Bogotá. 

7. A big mug of hot chocolate as a small means of celebration, and I’m glad that it was suggested because it was the perfect way to end a successful day; I’m thankful for those who can see what’s important – like hot chocolate. 

8. A cookie that doesn’t disintegrate when it touches hot chocolate. Gosh, am I thankful for that!

9. Winter northern-style: steam rising from the frozen wooden fence at sunrise. I’m so thankful to see that.

10. … and finally, for every last one of you, but who’s counting.

It’s cold out there – stay warm!