January ramblings

 How is your January going? Mine is flying by! 

I have deleted my Facebook account. Next will be my Instagram account but this will be more difficult. Not technically, don‘t get me wrong, but emotionally. I quite like scrolling through random posts, and I like to see what friends are up to. On the other hand, I was lured into buying stuff I don’t need but absolutely wanted. Like „the only portable charger you‘ll ever need“, or „make-up for mature skin“ and „the best crossbody bag for your travels“ (buy one get one free). Yes, I know. All of these things arrived from overseas even though I checked they would be despatched from the UK. I am using everything, in fact quite like the crossbody bags but they are just ordinary crossbody bags and  the charger was definitely not worth the money. The power of advertising. The final Meta application will be more difficult to let go.  WhatApp is very convenient. Work two factor authentication now comes through to WhatsApp, which annoys me.The hypocritical me will probably continue to use it for a while at least. At least it is not full of inane ads and posts from people I don’t know. I have removed myself from the Twitter. No regrets there. I migrated to Bluesky a while ago, which makes a pleasant change from other social media platforms. No ads and no megalomaniac owner. I am conflicted with stuff like that. We also have an Amazon Prime family account. And I am fairly certain that we have some Cheerios in the cupboard.

Moving on swiftly. 

Alistair put in five college applications for joinery/carpentry and general construction training. The applications went in as soon as they opened but two courses are already full… fingers crossed. One of the charities supporting young people at school has organised a work experience placement for him, on a construction site, every Monday from the end of January until June. I am happy to have a budding trade‘s man. The  very same young man had his hair died a bright red. I call it rebel red. He looks awesome. James meanwhile shows no sign of wanting to grow up and get a job or any qualifications. Sadly, he is hanging out with the wrong crowd, which is reflected in his behaviour at home and school. I am a bit sick of it. We all are. Except the dog who can’t tell the difference. 

The big freeze is over. It is now just damp and cold. For some unclear reason I recently bought a pair of gorgeous white leather Kickers traininers. I know, what was I thinking? But I love them so much! This is my third pair of white trainers… there is something about white trainers that I just can‘t resist. I am otherwise rather sensible with my wardrobe choices. The oldest pair is in tatters, the middle pair not far behind but still ok to wear for rainy walks. I like comfortable shoes. I still have a pair of Kickers Mary-Janes and a pair of chunky Doctor Martens high heels. Plus Birkenstock sandals and two pairs of walking boots. 

Alistair and I went volunteering together, it was fun. Woodland restoration is going to keep us busy for a few week. Alistair was deligthed to be allowed to cut down sizeable saplings that were encroaching on a more mature trees. He left at lunchtime but it was good to get him outside for a couple of hours. There is always so much to do! Next time we‘ll get the hard hats on an the big tools for some birch thinning. I guess it is like thinning out the carrots to allow the strongest to grow big and strong. For lunch we sat on a fallen tree watching  birds. Somebody had set up bird feeders on a clearing. Even the ring-necked parakeets made and appearance, and a few nuthatches, too. I guiltily enjoy watching the parakeets, they are very handsome birds but an invasive species. You have to admire them for their adapatability, considering they are native to India. 

Not much else to report, life is ticking along nicely, if a bit quickly. Thanks for visiting 😊