I’m working tonight and that’s fine. My colleagues are a bright young staff nurse and a support worker with a big heart.
I have no trouble working New Year’s Eve.
At the back end of 1989 one of my best friends died, his name was Ian Parry and he was a freelance news photographer. He died returning home from Romania
Ian was a high flyer and carried the hopes and dreams of his Welsh friends to London and beyond. At 24 he bought a flat, had a glamorous girlfriend and showed more chutzpah than Babs Streisand in Yentl, so when he died , we were left floating and lost and without a touchstone that linked us to success and positivism. New Year’s Eve lost its sparkle then, a sparkle that has never returned in thirty years or so since.
It’s stormy here today and the roar of the wind is loud through the Churchyard and around the corner of the cottage and its chimney.
I’m going to make avocado on sour bread with poached eggs which will be my meal of the day.
I’ve made a chicken salad for supper.
So my friends we are almost in 2025
2024 saw Dorothy, that little dynamo of a bulldog leave my side after five years of loving me with passion. Her drama and loyalty filled a chunk of my divorce grief as I kind of knew it would and her death left another bulldog sized hole in my heart.
I still miss her dreadfully .
But Bun & Weaver have arrived with a bang, two naughty school girls throwing an old bachelor’s home into disarray.
I’m an old dog, having to learn new tricks.
The wind seems stronger now.
I’m listening to the second of Dr Gwen Ashead’s Reith Lectures which centres around evil.
It’s an interesting BBC listen.
What do I want from 2025?
To be healthy,
To be happier,
Wishing you and yours all the best in the new year John! I may only comment occasionally but please know that I am reading your blog every day. I am grateful to have your wonderful stories and your beautiful writing to look forward to. Jackie in Georgia USA
ReplyDeleteThank you dear Jackie
DeleteLots of good wishes for you, John.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you have loads of potential to be happy and healthy
I hope so xx
DeleteWishing you health and happiness in 2025 John. Good wishes also on the transactional counselling. I had to look that up to see what it was. I read your blog every day. Writing from snowy Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Jean
ReplyDeleteCheers Jean xx
DeleteHoping your 2025 gives you all you wish for x
ReplyDeleteI bloodyhell hope so jaycee
DeleteI've never been a big fan of New Years Eve ...... it always feels sad somehow and I have no reason to say that ..... just a feeling ! There always feels like there is a cloud hanging over the celebrations and we never know what that New Year is going to bring !! Sorry .... enough of the morbid thoughts. I wish you the Happiest and healthiest 2025 John filled with exciting times ahead. Sending much love. XXXX
ReplyDeleteI feel the same Jacqueline it’s melancholy
DeleteWarm wishes for a happy and healthy New Year, John.
ReplyDeleteHere's to 2025! Xx
I cannot believe it’s 2925
DeleteLol
DeleteBeautifully written as always .
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year John
Alison in Wales x
Thank u dear Alison x
DeleteLike Jacqueline @ HOME, I've never been a fan of NYE either. I especially hate the stuff on TV about all those who've died in the past year. Always makes me feel so sad. But I will wish you, and all your lovely blog readers, the best, happiest and healthiest year ahead. xx
ReplyDeleteDitto deArheart x
DeleteOnce upon a time, when I had hope and thought happiness might exist, I loved the idea of New Year's Eve. Centuries on, I know better. Today would have been my wedding anniversary. With the weird ways of the world, the weather and politics, I still hope 2025 might be better, but everything in the world indicates the opposite. And that is without me trying to be pessimistic. Or sound it! I always worked on Bank Holidays too, as do my kids. I just hope the fireworks go away quickly, don't frighten any more animals to their deaths, and we just get on with it. So happy new year John - and to everyone around the world in John Gray's extended family - which is all of us. As Churchill used to say - KBO!
ReplyDeleteDear Liz , thank you so much x
DeleteIt may be stormy and wild outside, but the cottage looks lovely and cosy, as it always does. They leave huge holes in our hearts when they go don't they, the Suky sized one I have keeps stopping me in my tracks and making me fill up, and sadly now Mavis is winding down too.
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the very best for the coming year. I hope it's a really good one for you and all your furry little friends. xx
Love to the both of you
DeleteWishing you new beginnings, health and happiness in the New Year!
ReplyDeleteLove to u both this new year xx
DeleteWishing you and your family, two legged and four and your readers a healthy and very Happy New Year x
ReplyDeleteMuch appreciated carol x
DeleteMe too, John. It's been an "interesting" year. Wishing you and you family all the very best for the New Year, and I look forward to hearing your news. Jxx
ReplyDeleteInteresting is a euthimissm.
DeleteWishing you and your family and your four legged ones a very healthy, peaceful, happy and adventurous New Year. Love & hugs from Ro - n.w. Italy.
ReplyDeletebuon anno nuovo amico mio
DeleteWas the answer to yesterday's quote perhaps Jimmy Durante?
ReplyDeletePeace on Earth , Good will to men, health and happiness , and a man with a holey jumper for the new year. I have not given up on the last one for you .Please don't you either or if you think you have I hope you get the biggest surprise on Earth this year and find him.
Let’s hope together eh????
DeleteWishing you all the best John. Thanks for yesterday’s YouTube of the choir. I’m going to dig out my Hair cd for later. My only good NYEs were those spent with my wee gram many years ago. Now it’s just a night to get through and hope there aren’t too many loud fireworks.
ReplyDeleteHugs from across the pond XO
Happy new year my friend xxx
DeleteWhen I was a young woman, I only wanted to go out dancing and drinking, especially on New Years Eve. Looking back, I don't know why it was so important. Maybe I was hoping for a sea change, my life always seemed so small and boring. Dresses were important too, and jewelry, and shoes, and now, none of it matters. I guess it's all part of the time of life that we're living in. My time now requires peace and comfortable shoes, but once upon a time, I dressed up in mini skirts and danced the night away.
ReplyDeleteHave a good night and a good new year John.
And warm slippers and elasticed waists
DeleteMay 2025 bring you everything you want, and more! Hugs to the kittens and dogs!
ReplyDeleteMy older est follower thank u x
DeleteWishing you all the very best in the New Year John. May all your dreams and wishes come true. X
ReplyDeleteYuk yuk even the ones with Russell Crowe?
DeleteI prefer to go to sleep and let the NY magic happen without my participation. Happy New Year, John. Hope 2025 holds nothing but health, wealth and happiness for you all. xx
ReplyDeleteXxx
DeleteTo be healthy, to be happier. Amen!
ReplyDeleteLove to the two of you
DeleteWishing you a very Happy and Healthy New Year! Cali G
ReplyDeleteXxx
DeleteYour hopes for the New Year are absolutely what we should all wish for.
ReplyDeleteI hope your 2025 is a happy one x
DeleteI have followed your blog for donkey's years (grammar?) but very rarely comment. Will try to do so in the coming year. Wishing you, dear John, and all of your animals, a happy, peaceful and healthy New Year.
ReplyDeleteThank you old friend xxx
DeleteWishing you a New Year filled with good health, much love, happy times, fun adventures, and peace, John! xo
ReplyDeleteAnd to you deArheart xx
DeleteHere's to health and happiness for 2025!
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the best for 2025.
Oh yes 🍾🥂🌅
DeleteIt seems quite a few of us find New Year a difficult time. Thank you John for a year of interesting blog posts. Ian Parry sounded a talented and lovely man.
ReplyDeleteHave a peaceful New Year, love to you and kisses to the dogs and cats. Jan Bx
He was a character , always laughing
DeleteHappy New Year, John xx
ReplyDeleteDitto Kirk x
DeleteHappy New Year, John! I hope your wishes for 2025 come true.
ReplyDeleteOh Steve me old mucked see you soon in london
DeleteWishing you health, joy, and peace in the coming year.
ReplyDeleteHugs jimbo
DeleteMay our collective new year be less 'interesting' than we fear. I wish health and happiness for you, my friend. May it be a banner year for you. I think of you often.
ReplyDeleteAs I do you x
DeleteA Happy New Year to you John!
ReplyDeleteWicked hamster defy gravity x
DeleteHappy New Year to you John , I wish you health and peace in 2025 Shelly xx
ReplyDeleteThank u shelly
DeleteHappy New Year John x
ReplyDeleteWendy (Wales)
Wendy in wales blwyddyn newydd dda
DeleteA wonderful post and belated sympathy in the loss of your larger-than-life friend Ian.
ReplyDeleteMay we all be healthier and happier in 2025. Happy New Year!
Hugs!
Xx
DeleteHappy 2025, dearheart!!
ReplyDelete*smooches*
XOXO
Sixpence
Ta muchly xx
Deletehappy New Year to you, i hope it brings you everything you want, love from Julie king xx
ReplyDeleteI too too Julie king
DeleteI'd say your hopes for 2025 for good for everybody. If you have your health family and friends then in my mind you are wealthy. A very happy and good New Year to you squire.
ReplyDeleteAnd to you dear mistress
DeleteWishing you, the furry ones, your family, and friends a new year filled with good health, joy, contentment, and peace!
ReplyDeleteAnd you and yours deArheart
DeleteYou will be seeing the New Year in with company...not a bad thing.
ReplyDeleteHere's to a better year for us all xx
Indeed my friend, have a peaceful one
DeleteGreat post as usual. I seem to remember about the journalist killed and when I followed your link I did. Some things just stay with you I suppose. Wishing you the bestest year in 2025. May your endeavours bring you financial stability and fulfill you. And may you and your furbabies have a healthy and happy time of it to come.
ReplyDeleteYes financially I’m worried …but hey ho
DeleteI hope that your wishes for the year are fulfilled.
ReplyDeleteI do too
DeleteDear John, wishing you joy in 2025 along with splodge-free t shirts and an interesting new man xx Kath
ReplyDeleteA blogger sent me a bib lol it’s quite lovely
DeleteGlad you like it ❣️
DeleteNew years was very important to my Scottish husband, the house had to be thoroughly cleaned and all bills paid before midnight. Now that he is gone, I just stay home and go to bed early. I have done some cleaning and paid my bills, it rubbed off on me. When we had the stores, I always worked late on new years eve and one year, some kid threw a brick through the huge font window of the store. So I was at the store all night waiting for an emergency person to come and board it up. You take care driving home, watch out for drunks. Hugs, Gigi
ReplyDeleteThe weather is stormy , I shall look forward to my bed
DeleteWishing you health and happiness for the New Year xx
ReplyDeleteLovely xx
DeleteHappy New Year John! May your wishes come true
ReplyDeleteDitto
DeleteA happier and healthier New Year to you my good man
ReplyDeleteThank you John, nice to see you back x
DeleteHow terrible to lose a dear friend that way. Remembering him each New Year's as he was -- interesting, unique, talented, and lovely -- must be bittersweet. xoxo
ReplyDeleteIt’s been a long time now x
DeleteWishing you all the best from N.Z. for 2025! I am not much of a blogger/commenter these days, however, love reading U.K. blogs.
ReplyDeleteLove to you soozie
DeleteI hope your New Year is a dazzler, John! You deserve it.
ReplyDeleteWe all do me old son
DeleteSimply wishing you a glorious 2025🥂John. Jan in Castle Gresley
ReplyDeleteDitto xx
DeleteMy message to all in 2025
ReplyDeleteFuck the troll
Lee
Tee hee xx
DeleteThe sentiment is returned to you Lee.
DeleteDo tell - just why are you so interested in anonymous comments?
Lee here,
DeleteI respond to the trolls who waste their time finding fault —— but who are too cowardly to leave a name.
If you are the troll , shame on you and your under- the stone like minded sad bastards who cause trouble .
Get a life
You waste your time replying to anonymous comments - surely it's you that needs to get a life.
DeleteHappy New Year John Gray X
ReplyDeleteAnd to you anon xx
DeleteHappy new year, John, from a likewise very wet and windy Scotland.
ReplyDeleteAll the best to you my son, keep safe x
DeleteHappy 2025, John. You have a lot to look forward to.
ReplyDeleteXxx
DeleteI hope you have a peaceful night at the hospice without stressful happenings. Happy New Year John!
ReplyDeleteBusy start all peaceful now xx
DeleteThank you for sharing, and happy new year. Olivia
ReplyDeleteThank u Olivia xx
DeleteA sad but lovely post, i enjoyed the word picture you painted of the wind stormed cottage and the animals. I hope you travel safely to and from work, does the wind make it hard to drive.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing yourself, your world w us daily. I wish you health and happiness and success in the year--years!--ahead.
love
lizzy
Thank u lizzy xx
DeleteFirst time posting but been a long-time reader. As a retired psych RN, I get so much of what you say. I finally got around to reading "Going Gently". My God what a life Kate had! A wonderful book. Best Wishes for the New Years....love your animals and their pics!
ReplyDeleteParanormal John in the US (just love those haunted house books!)
Are you paranormal John ? I wasn’t sure
DeleteHappy New Year John! Thanks for sharing another year of your life and perspective in your charming posts. Wishing you success in 2025! Warm Regards, A.K. Coldweather.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, John. Wishing you health, happiness and the best of everything in 2025! 🥂 Louise X x
ReplyDeleteA very Happy New Year, John.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your blog. I enjoy it immensely and read daily.
Don't be afraid of slowing down. You see far more, travelling slowly. Take care. X
Happy New Year, John. May it bring you health, peace and prosperity. You deserve them.
ReplyDeleteLong time reader, never commented before! I really enjoy reading your blog. Peace, health and happiness to you John from Alison C. x
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written as usual, John.May this year find you happy,healthy and
ReplyDeletefulfilled,Mary
John, there are some holes in my life left by those I've loved and lost, both animal and human. Grief is a souvenir of love, I have heard. Sigh. I hope 2025 is a better year for all. Pray for us in the states - I am a little frightened for what may happen to us in the next 4 years. I will do my best to soldier on with hope, thanks to blogs like yours.
ReplyDeleteI wish you all the best for this year, and the happiness you deserve x
ReplyDeleteI do wish you good health John and bundles of joy and happiness.
ReplyDeleteI'm sending a big hug and two armfuls of good wishes for 2025.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year and thank you for your 2024 observations of life and the “cottage crew ! I think I too will focus on health this year and being happy and choosing contentment ! You live your life to the full and that’s a lot to be happy about . May 2025 be a good one x Bernie
ReplyDeleteRoad is closed at Eirwen down to Dyserth .traffic is chaos . Anyone heard what's happened?
ReplyDeleteCar on its roof by the school
DeleteAs do we all John, as do we all.
ReplyDeleteLinda