Putting up the tree

Britain has been battered by a series of storms, the latest of which hit yesterday with winds of 90+ miles per hour when it struck the west coast of Wales, but it seems a poor thing when we read of the hurricanes experienced abroad with winds of over 150. Certainly, walking between squalls in Clare Park yesterday it seemed little more than a bit breezy; my hat didn't blow off, and it wasn't even raining. 

While in Clare, I picked up the paper from outside the Co-Op and was about to go in to pay when a loose dog ran in front of me. I looked around wondering where it had come from, then realised it was my dog. For some mysterious reason the boot of the car had opened, so naturally Byron jumped out and ran up to me. Lucky he is such a good dog, or he might have run off in the traffic. He walked at heel back to the car, when I noticed I still had the paper in my hand. Luckily, I was not stopped for shoplifting as well as having a dog wandering the roads off his leash. The boot does not usually open itself, but I did once drive home with the boot open and both dogs in the back. Happily, when I realised, they were just sitting there looking bemused and wondering just what idiot they had for a master. 

Our Tree

After last weeks dispirited blog when they oncologists told me nothing more could be done (Hope was but a timid friend), I feel a more cheerful again. I do not know how long is left to me, and we did not ask, for last time they had said only twelve months, but I am still here two and a half years later, so I shall press on with life as though, as in childhood, we have for ever and will never die. I can't say I stride onward, for like all of us of a certain age, I have many little aches that pop up uninvited in unexpected places, but I will continue to limp forward and get on with what I may. Yesterday, in a spirit of festivity and hope, we put up our modest Christmas decorations. We only have a miniature tree these days that sits atop the bureau, but we are going to look for some suitable windfall small branches to make a display that Ann sprays with snow and glitter to complete the display. Not that many will see it; for even Mary-Anne and the girls will not come round on Christmas Day, as Mae will be covering Christmas dinner in the pub where she works part-time. She gets double pay at Christmas, as well as good tips, so is looking forward to a boost in her income.