MOG'S BLOG

To welcome in the next New Year, I'll spend some time in thought, Of deeds that have been executed And, sadly, some that came to nought. So in these last few minutes Of the passing year, I'll look forward to life's improvements And wish you all 'A Happy New Year! ' Best wishes to you all and thankyou for reading my blog over the past few months.I look forward to continuing our friendship in the coming year.

We were very fortunate to have all three daughters at home for Christmas. This is the first time this has happened for a few years. It was a very traditional Christmas -------- Christmas morning Mass, turkey and trimmings and all the usual laughter plus board games, should abbreviations be allowed in Scrabble?!!! As well as these delights I also finished a 'Christmas 'story by Jan Karon. 'Shepherds Abiding' was a light Christmas read. It concentrated on the inhabitants of an American town, namely Mitford and the preparations for Christmas by their vicar and his congregation. At first I found some of the accented language a little difficult to understand(call me a dumbo!) but once I got into the story I enjoyed the community spirit and the happy seasonal ending. I hope you enjoyed the first days of Christmas and that the spirit of the season continues in your lives.

The Illumination of Winter. The air is still, The earth unyielding. No sun is seen, Nor lamb a bleating. But in this season’s darkest night, Shines forth an everlasting light; Love. Love is the heart of these radiant beams, And so with much celebration seems, To lift our spirits, stir our hearts, As the birth of a baby boy imparts; Love. by Mog. Happy Christmas to you all.

This week has seen me finish 'A friend like Henry' by Nuala Gardner. This true story was very moving. It follows an Autistic boy's life from birth to late teens and the exceptional influence Henry(a golden labrador) made. Although qualifying as a nurse/midwife many years ago I had no experience with autistic children in my paediatric attachments. This book was an eye-opener to say the least. I will never look at a child in a tantrum the same way. The story is written by the boy's mother(who is also a nurse). She chronicles the day to day living of a family trapped in Autism. After reading this book I feel as though the whole family were 'trapped', they fought for diagnosis and help and the love and perseverance both parents displayed was truly inspirational. I would recommend this book to everyone I meet but especially to parents of autistic children.

This is today's discussion Do you give books as gifts? To everyone? Or only to select people? How do you feel about receiving books as gifts? Yes, I often give books as gifts, we are doing Secret Santa in our house this year and the person I am buying for will receive 2 books. I must admit all my family are readers , so books are usually my first consideration for presents. I love receiving books as presents, most people know my preferences so buying is not difficult. More thoughts can be found here.

This week the discussion is the following --------- n the Go (Dec 15) Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about reading on the go… I always like to have a book with me at all times – call it a nerdy grown-up security blanket – and rarely do I leave the house without slipping one into my bag (even if I KNOW I’m not going to have a chance to read it). Do you take a book with you? Do you take whatever book you’re currently reading, or do you have a special on-the-go book? And do you have a preference for a these types of book (paperback, hardback; short stories; poetry etc)? My answer ----------- I often have a book in my bag, today for example waiting for my Blood Pressure appointment with my G.P. I sat and read in the waiting room. In the dentist's waiting room is the same . The book I read is usually my current read. As my handbag is fairly large , a paperback or hardback will fit. I do like to read when a passenger in a car but this often gives me a headache so I only read in short bur

This week saw me finishing Olivia's Garden I enjoyed this, it was a light read and a good story. You can read the review by clicking the title. I have now started the book, 'A friend like Henry'. It is the true account of an Autistic boy and his struggle in the world. Only a few pages into the book I haven't come across Henry(the dog) yet but the book explains graphically the life of an Autistic child and the effects on the family. The book is written by the boy's mother, a woman you admire from the outset, no test, project was left unturned in the parents' fight to help their son. A truly inspirational book.

This is this weeks discussion. 1. Do you get to read as much as you WANT to read? (I’m guessing #1 is an easy question for everyone?) 2. If you had (magically) more time to read–what would you read? Something educational? Classic? Comfort Reading? Escapism? Magazines? Answers are 1. No. 2. I would read all the books on my TBR pile , I have mysteries, historical fiction novels waiting to be picked up. I do succumb to the odd magazine , but these are mostly sewing and cookery mags, To be able to sit quietly and read any book /magazine is comfort reading to me. More discussions can be found here.

Found the following poem in the above book. This is just the first verse, as it is very long December. by John Clare. 'Glad Christmas comes, and every hearth Makes room to give him welcome now, E'en want will dry its tears in mirth, And crown him with a holly bough; Though tramping neath a winter sky, O'er snowy paths and rimy styles The housewife sets her spinning by To bid him welcome with her smiles...' Hope all your preparations are going to plan.

Well I have actually read and finished a book last week. It seems ages since I posted about reading. This is a library book, I noticed it as I knew the author lives in a nearby town. I haven't seen her in town for a while but if I bumped into her again I would congratulate her on a first class story. It is centred around the friendship of three girls. We follow their lives as they leave school and start and make their way in the world. The dreams and aspirations they have as teenagers don't always turn out they way they would like. Instead of becoming a doctor Anna becomes a nun. Rosie continues in her carefree way and Olivia's path is not too smooth. Throughout the story their parents give structured , moral advice , some is heeded some not. I was pleasantly surprised with this book, if I hadn't been aware of the author I would have passed it by.

CHRISTMAS, and I can't wait. To celebrate the birth of the Son of God is a great priviledge and joy!!!! This was the scene this morning. Since then the road has had the snow plough and we have managed to get into town. The forecast is for no more snow, which is a nice thought. Don't I have a sensible cat. Click on photos to enlarge and see Mog.

This last few weeks has seen most of my Christmas Baking done . I have mince pies left but I will make them much closer to Christmas. As well as baking most of the presents are sorted . I need to but my cards yet.All this done gives me time to concentrate and attend extra church services which are always particularly inspiring this time of year. How are your preparations coming along?