It’s been a quiet night so far. My patients are sleeping pain free and the hospice is silent save for the gentle whirl of the photocopier fan in the office and the cough of a patient .
I’ve started to write my Christmas cards this evening.
It’s been a difficult year for everyone , so I’m taking my time .
The cards have a linen finish and it’s lovely to write on them with an ink pen bought specially for the job.
Another treat realised because of covid
Another small joy out of no where.
It’s been a funny old year all told and one where it may be hard work picking out the good bits.
My 2020 has been a growth year.
My decree absolute severed those final ties to the divorce I never wanted and despite the lockdown new friends have appeared and old ones maintained through zoom and phone and thought.
I am lucky, luckier than most
Luckier than many
So here’s is my Christmas Card to you readers
It’s is a thank you and a greeting and I send it knowing how supported I feel that you pop in so regularly to read the journals of a very ordinary Welshman who is trying to make sense of a world which is sometimes hard work.
Going Gently is not a public forum with my life up for debate, it’s a place for a ramble and a share and I am grateful for a shared good humour from nearly all of you as I so just that
So let’s all of us have a peaceful time this year.
I shall be working Christmas Eve then hope to meet up with my sisters for a walk and a present swap and perhaps a turkey sandwich and soup in the garden or by the beach.
And that will be nice
2020 has taught us all to treasure the small and the once overlooked and taken for granted
But I will be glad when it’s over
Hey ho
Happy Holidays, John, and we will all be glad when 2020 is no more than a footnote.
ReplyDeleteIndeed Dave ....won’t we just x
DeleteI’m pleased you’re having a peaceful shift at work, I just want life to be normal(ish) again....Tweetart
ReplyDeleteI’ve just written your Xmas card ...how odd
DeleteMay angels visit you, human or otherwise.
ReplyDeleteNicely put x
DeleteLovely words John, may you and yours have a Happy Christmas.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from the bottom of the world.
Thank you deArheart x
DeleteHappy Holidays to you John from a friend across the pond! xx
ReplyDeleteYou have had a bad year too my friend , all the best to you x
DeleteWonderful, Happy Holidays to you John and all the furry family.
ReplyDeleteparsnip xx
And to you Gayle xx
DeleteMerry Christmas to you John. I have begun my own Christmas cards. I've never had time to do them before, and now, for the first time in many years, I do. This withdrawing has been a blessing in some ways. But like you, I will not be sorry to see it in my rear view mirror.
ReplyDeleteIt’s nice to say “ thank you” to people who have supported you during this bad year x
DeleteOh, if I have been rude I apologize. Your good greetings are appreciated. I hope that you will accept my own.
DeleteNo rudeness deArheart x
Deletea walk on the beach on xmess day or a garden sit; sounds lovely. happy holidays to you and the furkids and all in the little village. PS - have you any news of auntie glad?
ReplyDeleteNo news , she’s still with us , but more in body than in mind now x
Delete"A ramble and a share" -- what a perfect description! Your blog is a treasure for all of us.
ReplyDeleteThank you deArheart x
DeleteMaking masks for presents,they mail so well...
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to you for peaceful moments as we pull up to the finish line of this year. It's been great to share moments with you and the crew.
Excellent idea x
DeleteI think a lot of folk are thinking like you this year; let's enjoy, and get it all over with. I'm trying not to think about Christmas for another 2 weeks (at least).
ReplyDeleteLow key and chilled x
ReplyDeleteTa for the lovely Christmas card and I share its wish for Peace on Earth and also peace in the hearts of all.
ReplyDeleteVisiting your blog is a daily treat, wherever your thoughts, musings, stories, photos, and music take us. You enrich my life! Ta for that, too.
Hugs!
Thank you. And thank you for you (mostly) gentle blog and self.
ReplyDeleteLol mostly,....
DeleteYes John, it's certainly been a crappy year and no-one will be sorry to see the back of it. Learning to take each day as it comes has been challenging and finding something to be thankful for in it sometimes very hard.
ReplyDeleteMay 2021 bring new opportunities and better times
Amen virginia
DeleteIt's been a difficult year for all of us and for many in ways unsaid. It has also been a year of discovery perhaps because of the difficulties. Thank you for your many kind words and thoughts shared. I appreciate you and your friendship.xx
ReplyDeleteDitto Bonnie x
DeleteKindly thanks, JayGee, with all best wishes for the coming hols to you and all your family of 'li'l uns'. You've never failed to enrich immeasurably the lives of we who love to pop in to your 'place' here for a brief visit. We're eternally grateful for you just being who you are - no airs and graces, no frills, just YOU.
ReplyDeleteRaymondo .always a pleasure
DeleteYour Christmas plans sound perfect. This year, more than ever, is definitely about appreciating what we have.
ReplyDeleteThanking you right back, John. Your blog is a joy. X
Thank you jules x
DeleteIt is a sad reflection on society that it takes a pandemic to make people think about appreciating what they've got.
ReplyDeleteI don’t think it’s sad
DeleteI appreciate what I've got without a bloody pandemic to remind me.
DeleteYes, you are ordinary and no different to many other people I know. All this crap cliched stuff is not the you I know.
DeleteBut it’s what I indeed think....I want the Christmasas of past which will I am sure return next year but this year. That won’t happen.it’s no used banging on about it .....so why not count my blessings
DeleteFake it to make it
Sometimes I want to be crappily cliched
DeleteWell you get plenty of that x
DeleteIndeed I do
DeleteYour last two sentences sum this year perfectly. You have a gift for doing just that. You share the (generally?!) unvarnished details of your life with us, and take the trouble to reply to comments. You are kind, do a very demanding and sometimes undervalued job, and you are loyal to your friends. You are NOT 'ordinary', you are extraordinary and that is why you have so many followers. Thank you for the card, it's lovely. Peace on earth. Amen to that.
ReplyDeleteNo I’m ordinary but thank you
DeleteHappy Christmas John, to you, and your doggies, yes it’s been a funny old year, but as you say, we appreciate the small things in life . I’ve kinda liked the withdrawal from the world if I’m honest xx
ReplyDeleteI suspect many people are just looking forward to being able to say that it's 2021. This year, 2020, will become the stuff of legends in families.
ReplyDeleteWell said. Beautiful card.
ReplyDeleteYes, well said, and those who receive your real cards with a beautifully written message will hopefully treasure them.
ReplyDeleteHere's to a peaceful and healthy 2021
Late to the party but loved the two videos in the last post. Thank you for the card and wishing you a lovely and peaceful Christmas too. Love checking in here to see what you are up to.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty card. All the best to you John. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a lovely year to come full of love and adventure. X
ReplyDeleteI will give my Christmas greetings a little later on. My 90 year old mother is writing her Christmas cards and letters. So many old friends and family gone now but she writes to their children - my generation and has told me she has 90 cards to write ! It gives her such pleasure and receiving cards and letters in return which I then read x
ReplyDeleteLovely card John. Yes it has been a strange and lonely year! Let's hope that 2021 is better. Love reading about what you and the doggies get up to.
ReplyDeleteAt times it’s been fucking shite but by thinking that, I’ve bored myself complaining
DeleteI’ve also counted my blessings during the past few months , but it’s not always such a robust mental mechanism ...a panacea to the loneliness of covid.
There seems no middle ground for me at least
Today I’m cliched and somewhat sentimental
So be it
Very nice Christmas stuff John, but it is November! While we all wish for 2020 to be begone, we do still have another month of it yet.
ReplyDeleteIt’s only 4 weeks away
DeleteJohn, I so look forward to my "rambles" through your sweet and thoughtful posts. You given me food for thought, reasons to think of others, and many ways to celebrate the small daily gifts. ALL gifts! Thank you for them. Sending many warm blessings and much appreciation from my heart in Illinois.
ReplyDeleteSweet! And a very early Merry Christmas to you, gentle John!
ReplyDeleteDo all the readers who send you a card receive one of those?
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately not, I wish I had the money , but they do have my best wishes
DeleteUnlike the trolls who only have my contempt
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
DeleteAlthough I can't be certain it was Switzerland!
DeleteTrolls , especially anonymous ones that fear giving their names in order to have the satisfaction of a brief audience for some bile or insult will always be deleted here. They don’t know me, so won’t be allowed to voice here
DeleteAlas for one, the fact they are not allowed , drives them bananas
it's so strange to live through such an historic time. i bet a lot of people will appreciate being alive through this time and coming out on the other side. sadly, so many won't. i hope you have a wonderful xmas season.
ReplyDeleteDon’t get me wrong lots of aspects of working too many nights and the isolation of covid has almost pushed me into a depression, but complaining about things had just began to bore me
DeleteI bored myself
I think most of us will be glad to see the back of 2020. It's been a tough year all round and you've brought humour to lots of people who read your blog, even when it's been difficult for you. I wish you all the best for Christmas and the new year. Hoping and praying 2021 is better🙄
ReplyDeleteAnd hear hear to all of that my friend. xx
ReplyDeleteThank you, John, for sharing your world, your thoughts, your rambles, your heartaches, your joys, your neighbors, your lovely dogs, your life. You are a good breath of fresh air for so many of us.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your lovely countryside.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes.
Linda
Sharing your sentiments and wishing you all the best for December and onward. So enjoy and appreciate reading your view of life.
ReplyDeleteYour comments on 2020 are spot on. My Nan used to sing 'count your blessing' and 2020 has been tough at times
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your blog, sad, funny, thoughtful, risque :)
Wishing you and yours a very Happy Christmas and better times in 2021 x
Thank you John, such a lovely card, and beautiful sentiments. It's been a roller-coaster of a year, but we've stuck together and plodded along, good or bad, that's what counts. Your blog is always such an inspiration, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your little corner of the world with us. Happy Christmas, and here's to a 2021 with less chaos and a little more peace.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
~Jo
xx
It's been a difficult year for sure. I always enjoy reading your posts. Take care and sending hugs.
ReplyDeleteI do so enjoy reading about your everyday life and wish you only the best for 2021 and beyond. Keep this bright spot going for all of us, please.
ReplyDeleteLove to you , as well dearest Welshman.
ReplyDeleteWishing peace to you too, John. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI hope your plans all work out. A quiet Christmas would be wonderful.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a tough year, with time that has whizzed by so unbelievably quickly considering what we have all been through. Next year will be better for all of us ... it has to be, there's no way it could be any worse!!
You're so right John, 2020 has taught us a lot. I feel most of us will count our blessings more and seize life's joys where we can. Here's to a better year in 2021 for all of us.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post! Hope your holiday is peaceful and happy.
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful. Thank you. Holiday greetings to you... change is coming.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the lovely card. I don't much do Christmas these days, l bet a few people will be glad to reign it in this year as well.
ReplyDeleteMind you, still have to have a Chocolate Yule Log cake with a dollop of clotted cream, well it will be Christmas after all ......
Thank you for keeping me going this year John, my friend who l have never met! Most days l think to myself ' what is John up to today?' then read your blog to find out!
Much love Tess xx (sans card)
Yeah, you and me both. It's been a crazy year. I'm impressed that you already know your Christmas work schedule. Beautiful card, and I wish you the very best holiday, all things considered!
ReplyDeleteOh, I meant to mention: You asked about Dave's pumpkin pie recipe. I posted a link in today's post to a YouTube video that includes a link to the recipe. Hope that helps and you're inspired!
DeleteThank you....I’ve always wanted to make one but not one as sweet as I’ve experienced in the states
DeleteThank you for your cheery card John.I think many people are concentrating now on the things that have meaning in their life.Just a walk with my dogs gives me even more pleasure than previously and I perhaps smile at others and ignite a conversation more readily x
ReplyDeleteLovely card John. Thank you x
ReplyDeleteThank you John, hope you too have a peaceful Christmas x
ReplyDeleteThanks for the card.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty card!!
ReplyDeleteEven though I am living in the hot mess known as the United States, I still seek out the pretty and creative parts of life to keep the growing ugliness at bay. Better to put something beautiful into the world than contribute to the harshness eh?
Have a wonderful holiday season.
XO
"Going Gently is not a public forum with my life up for debate"
ReplyDeleteThat's why I shy away from the autobiographical on my own blog. I'm afraid I'd lose such a debate!
What a beautiful card and sentiments. Your blog helps me with the difficulties of the year. I wish you a wonderful holiday season.
ReplyDeleteI ran across a quote from Samuel Johnson today: "You cannot be wise unless you love reading." I liked it so much I added to a sidebar on my blog. I'm pretty sure we're finally not going to be doing Christmas cards this year so this will be my best wishes to you for the holiday, John. You're not ordinary. You're one of the nicest men I know, even if it's only via the internet. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThanks ever so much for the Christmas card. XX OO Wishing you peace and happiness,this coming holiday and in the future. - Mary
ReplyDeleteThank you for the card, John. Wishing you peace and love, xx
ReplyDeleteAmen.The kindness of good people moves us on.
ReplyDeleteThe hardship from COVID has impacted everyone in some way without exception. The isolation and social distancing being especially challenging. Thank you for the card and Christmas wishes. Spending Christmas day with your sisters enjoying the day together sounds perfect. We all hope for a better 2021.
ReplyDeletePretty card John, thanks very much. And I hope you have all the peace you require to top off the nightmare of 2020. With less than 3 weeks to go to the big day I hope you and yours have an enjoyable time and your fur babies enjoy having extra special time with you. Thanks for all you write, I enjoy your blog immensely and although I don't always comment I always read. When the books is out I will put in my order for one xx
ReplyDeleteJo in Auckland
Thanks for the lovely card, John. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy (& healthy) New Year! Greetings from Perth WA, Jan & Dean
ReplyDeleteThank you for the lovely card and I hope you have a much better Christmas than you imagine. Onwards and upwards for 2021 and immunizations. Bev x
ReplyDeleteThank you for such a lovely card and post, John. I am intending to write my cards this weekend - you are on my list!
ReplyDelete