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Tuesday 24 December 2013

Unscathed!


This wreath on my front door survived last night's storm amazingly!  We lay in bed listening to the wind tossing the trees in the wood and the rain battering on the windows - especially on the bathroom Velux - and yet this wreath, affixed only by a length of string, was still in situ this morning!

Sadly much damage has occurred in our region and many places are flooded or without electricity.  I have spent most of the morning on the 'phone to the wanderer who was waiting at Clapham Junction for a train to bring her here for Christmas.  Nobody seemed to know what was happening or could say if/when there might be a train and eventually at 2.30 she discovered that there would be no trains until Friday in our direction.  So she will spend the next couple of days alone in her flat as most of her friends have managed to get away.

She won't be the only one cooking herself some pasta for her Christmas dinner nor will we be the only ones with more food than we need in our fridge.  There must be many other families who will not be able to be together for the festivities of course and we are lucky that we have somewhere warm and dry, we have food enough and we are not living in a war zone - it is not the end of the world of course and yet.....

I listened to the carols on the radio as I made a few mince pies and felt melancholy - is it only me that always finds Christmas unbearably sad?

11 comments:

  1. Oh, how sad. I am sorry. It seems so unfair at this time of year.

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  2. What a beautiful wreath, warmest christmas wishes x

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  3. That is such a shame Jane, I really feel for you! Just focus on the fact that she is safe and well and you'll see her soon and I know that's easy for me to say. Try to enjoy the time with your lovely husband and try not to feel too sad.
    Thinking of you,
    V x

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  4. No you are not the only one, there is still much sadness in the world and I always get a little sad this time of year for personal reasons as you say, it is not the end of the world and maybe when it all settles down you can have a family get together in the new year. Xxx

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  5. So sorry that you can't all be together as planned, it's such a shame. I know exactly what you mean about the melancholy, it washes over me from time to time as well. So much emotion everywhere. I hope you do have a good day tomorrow nonetheless. CJ xx

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  6. No Jane, you are not the only one who can quickly slip into a melancholy mood on Christmas. The tears can come easily for me when I think of my children who have not spent a Christmas with me since they were 12 and 15 years old--23 years have gone by. Long story, but divorce has played a big part--well, who am I kidding, it is because of the divorce. Still, I need to think about the good things, and let the bad things go. I hope you and the Mr. still have a good Christmas. Perhaps you will see the Wanderer very soon.

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  7. Oh, I am sorry to read this. But I'm glad that you and the Wanderer are safe and warm.
    Christmas blessings to you and yours, for now and for always.

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  8. Sorry you cannot be together today, but Christmas doesn't have to be today...........
    Record your favourite programme but don't watch it and have a special meal when you are together.
    Julie xxxxxxxx

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  9. I hope your daughter will be with you for the weekend and you have your Christmas then. The day brings so many expectations and often so many disappointments, but hang on in there Jane like your tenacious Christmas wreath. Jill xx

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  10. Disappointing, but as others have said, it only really matters that you are all safe.
    You still have a celebration to enjoy after the rest of us have finished!

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  11. I'm so sorry your Christmas didn't happen as planned but hopefully you will make up for it as soon as the weather allows. Thank goodness you and your home have survived the storm.
    Wishing you a happy New Year, you and your family Jane and I love your topiary cat, what a lovely way to remember!
    Take care, Kate x

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