Since this has been, like all my recent Christmases, horribly lonely, accompanied by heavy cold this time, flu last year, and since the last time I actually heard a live human voice was Christmas Day morning (the taxi-driver who brought me home from the service) I am greatly looking forward to 2012.
Every year I tell myself, next year will be better, and next year i will have found something to do at Christmas.
Each year that looks less likely, but I am reliably informed, you only have to pray hard enough and believe strongly enough and it will happen.
Hmmmm!
Unable courtesy of high temperature, running nose, sore throat and constant sneezing etc. to venture outside apart from feeding the birds, I had to resort to television.
My red eyes and sore swollen lids, are more to do with the latter than with the cold bug.
I have watched and absorbed "Tosca", the ballet "Alice in Wonderland", several episodes of "Mastermind" (the celebrity version - if that is not an Oxymoron), and almost, it seems, the entire panoply of Charles Dickens greatest Hits.
I have also seen, as previously mentioned Narnia, Merlin and today, unbelievably, The Cat in the Hat, finally reaching rock bottom with "Pollyanna".
Now I wouldn't want you to think I was ungrateful, I am, but I wouldn't want you to think it, but there must be some other punishment I could opt for, even in my bug-weakened state, as payment for my exceptionally sinful life.
Don't say read - my eyes are too sore, or clean the house - too lazy, or write letters - both the former reasons.
My throat is too sore to scream, and my hands are too sweaty to type much longer so if anyone has a suggestion sensible or otherwise I would be glad to consider it on its merits, (before rejecting it as unworkable).
Roll on 2012 it can only get worse!
Oh Ray! A hot toddy and a blanket are my prescription and lots of chocolate, ahh but that might sting, poor you, I hope you feel better soon. If it's any consolation it's our first wedding anniversary today, we were going out for the afternoon but someone has "popped their clogs" and the family are coming to The Manse for a funeral visit instead......cest la vie! Big hug as long as you don't share your bugs. Love Jenni xx
ReplyDeleteOh dear! So sorry to hear about the flu, even sorrier to hear about the loneliness. Wish we lived close enough to have you over this New Year (if you were well enough.)
ReplyDeleteThat is very sad. Some of us are real people and would gladly phone you.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely too much television. Sorry you're feeling so poorly. I wish you had my Miss Kitty to cuddle with you while you're piled up with blankets and all; she's very sympathetic to the bedridden. Prayers for peace and healing.
ReplyDeleteoh dear you do sound in a sorry state Ray - not sure I can come up with any suggestions - unless you fancy crochet!!! Much love, Jane x.
ReplyDeleteJenni Dear, thanks for the good wishes, and no it is no consolation whatever to hear that your anniversary plans have been scuppered.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations anyway and bug-free hugs to you too.
Sue. Only a rotten cold, not flu this time, but nasty enough to (almost) make me glad I didn't have anywhere to go, or anyone to see.
ReplyDeleteAm hoping to be fit enough for Sunday morning's Eucharist. If I can't sing, at least I can be in the congregation.
Thanks TS, your kindness is appreciated.
ReplyDeletePenny, how could you wish my cold bugs on poor little Miss Kitty.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the healing prayers and please accept a cyber-hug for yourself and Miss Kitty.
Yes, thanks Jane. Why didn't I think of that. It's right up there with watching paint dry, in fact, it beats it into 1st place.
ReplyDeleteThanks I needed that,
X
Actually I think its a lovely Photo -not sure how you did it. You look very nice, and REAL and I want to come round and make you honey lemon and whisky.
ReplyDeleteHave no trite things to say to you-except Your Blog is going to be the next ,'blog of the month' in Filey Parish. Your common sense and 'tell it how it is ' would tell smug Filey a thing or three. That makes u special in my book , and if thats how I feel how much more are you special to God. XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Oh Margaret. You really are lovely.
ReplyDeleteThe awful photo was achieved by holding the camera at arm's length, trying to look human and pressing the magic button.
I'm very glad you have no "trite things" to say, but Filey Parish! Are they ready for my cynicism and slantwise way of looking at life?
I would add that writing "common sense" is not the same as living it.
Bless you X
"margaretkiaora" stole my thunder, I was too was going to suggest whiskey honey lemon, it was a remedy my mother passed from her mother to me! Excellent choice Margaret! Since apparently 2011 can't get any worse...I'm hopeful that 2012 will be a better year for you Ray! So with that said I wish you a Happy New Year! Theanne and Baron send human (((((hugs))))) and doggie kisses xoxoxoxox
ReplyDeleteThanks Theanne for the good wishes and also the hugs (doggy kisses? not sure) but thanks anyway.
ReplyDeleteDear Ray, it's definitely time to sort your life out! My prescription - get over that cold first of all and be grateful that you didn't have a million relatives wanting to be fed and waited upon whilst you were feeling so low. Brandy & port may help - they do nothing for the cold but they do stop you caring.
ReplyDeleteNext, get yourself Sky+ then there is always your choice of something on the telly (even on Sunday afternoons when some ancient law decrees there will be nothing on telly, even with 900 channels!)
Next, plan for a flu jab in October, but start the Vitamin C supplements in September to ward off the bugs. Consider staying away from Church throughout Advent - lots of bugs there.
Best idea yet - book yourself on to a cruise for next Christmas - or if not a cruise, something that YOU really want to do.
In the meantime, get a cat. You will be doing it a favour.
Happy New Year.
Poor Ray. I had the cold, but a fortnight before Christmas, so I do sympathise. Given the chance I would have tucked myself up in bed with the radio (easier on the eyes) or even a talking book (you get to choose the story). And Doorkeeper has hit the nail on the head. Get planning next Christmas as soon as you're well again!
ReplyDeleteAs far as the blog is concerned, keep on telling it as it is, please. We need honesty, not platitudes.
Happy New Year.
Dear Doorkeeper. Emminently sensible as ever!
ReplyDeletePoint by point:
1. Such very few relatives as I have would know better than to expect me to feed them - I am the only vegetarian in the family.
2. Never touch brandy but have tried port many times with some success.
3. Sky is not an option, what I want is less TV not more.
4. Have been having flu jabs for 10 years or more, and that and anti-histamine is the only 'chemical' medicine I ever take. I do however take about 7 supplements a day.
5. I would die or boredom on a cruise but am still trying to find something I would enjoy - not easy at my age but still looking.
6. The cat is of course a possibility.
Happy New Year to you too.
X
Hello again Perpetua. Actually the radio is not such a bad idea, it's just a question of re-programming my mind
ReplyDeleteThere are at least 5 radios in the house, none of which I ever listen to.
You (and Doorkeeper) are right about the need to plan early and I will try once I regain human status again.
The only problem with that is that I would then miss all the Christmas church events which have been my sole support in the past 2 and a bit years.
As I think I may have said before, I can only blog as I think and feel. I don't do fancy formulas and everything tends to be immediate and usually ill-thought out but is at least honest.
Blessings abd a Happy New Year.
X
Sorry to hear about your illness - I sympathise as I was out of action with a vomiting bug overnight and still don't feel back to normal. Hope you improve as the New Year arrives. People who say every prayer is answered are being too simplistic after all, sometimes the answer is No, or Wait, or ask the right prayer/question. Will be thinking of you at the Bells.
ReplyDeleteThankyou Freda. Ditto and likewise.
ReplyDeleteGelukkig Nieuwjaar! Dutch for a change!
X
Chocolate, and LOTS of it!
ReplyDeleteI pray 2012 turns out to be a year of surprises (of the best sort) & joy for you.
Blessings,
Kathleen
Sorry to hear all that Ray. I do hope you are feeling much better now. We are all entitled to a whinge sometimes and you are such a positive person most of the time that we just know you'll bounce back.
ReplyDeleteLots of love and blessings for 2012 xxxxxx
Kathleen, Thanks for the good wishes, but if I ate all the chocolate you recommend I'd never move again.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you too.
Thanks for the encouragement Jean. I think my New Year Resolution had better be no more whinge posts (unless it is absolutely necessary of course).
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings for 2012 to you too.
X