Unfortunately I got a call just after lunch saying he had missed the bus and the next one wouldn't arrive in Dumfries until a quarter to midnight. Then it's another half hour's drive home.
Still better than trekking up to Edinburgh to collect him though.
Despite the late night, it's wonderful to see him after being several months away at university, where he's in his final year studying mechanical engineering.
Maggie has been busy preparing enough wonderful food to keep a small city content, with her bramble ice cream (made from the ones Meg and I picked back in September) being a particular favourite.
Our grandson, Alfie, is 18 months old now – still too young to have any idea what's going on, but old enough to get caught up in all the excitement of boxes and wrapping paper.
As each year passes, I think I become ever more aware of how extraordinarily fortunate we are to have a roof over our heads, food in our bellies, and a loving family around us. So many lack one or all of these things.
Whatever your social, cultural and religious beliefs and circumstances, I truly wish you and your loved ones all the very best over the festive season and for the year ahead.
A very Happy Christmas to you and your lovely family Kim. And a happy and prosperous New year. 2019 is looking like the year I finally get back to Scotland and we get to take a selfie together!
ReplyDeleteGratitude is the foundation for happiness. Like you, i am sometimes overwhelmed (to the point of tears) at my good fortune. Sending happy holiday wishes to you and yours...
ReplyDeleteMaurcheen - Hope you're having a wonderful time with as many members of the family as possible. It would be brilliant to meet up if you can make it this side of the water!
ReplyDeleteDaisyfae - I think when we're younger, we compare our lives more to those who have more, so feel the disappointment. As we get older and have more experiences, we tend to compare ourselves to those who have less, understand that but for luck and fortune that could be us, and feel far more grateful for what we have. Wishing you the very best over the festive season x
Happy Christmas to you and your family, Kim, from across the pond here in the centre of Canada! You are very right in that we have all we really need with food, shelter and the love of family and friends. Wishing you all happiness, health and prosperity in 2019 and beyond.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ponita - hope you're having a wonderful time :)
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