I wouldn't call this year fun. It hasn't been bad, just busy. With interludes of fun. I don't suppose it helped that building work began on our extension in the darkest days of winter. That there have been days of mud and noise and disruption. Frozen fingers, endless cups of coffee, and more questions for the architect than I ever thought possible.
I am, however, maintaining my zen. The hens are laying again. The dogs get on well with the builders. The spring bulbs are out and the sun is shining.
Mr B ran the Marrakech marathon in a personal best time. We stole away for a few days of couple-time in Dubai. We have managed a family crisis, a serious bout of man-flu and a dramatic visit to the vet for two excitable Boxer dogs.
We have made time for friends and family. Going out with friends gives us a break from talking about the building work! And soon, we will be able to have friends round to our home, not to a building site.
The work we do for the ICDC Surrey support group is taking up quite a bit of time, as we prepare for the annual education day. Despite repeated requests for volunteers, maintaining the website and social media still falls to me, and I worry that I'm not doing enough.
The practice is still evolving and demands my attention on most days. Happily, our secretary is settled in her new home and so calm has been restored. Thank goodness the patients are so understanding.
My own work is taking a back seat. No writing for some time, and certainly no networking or business planning. Even my hobbies have been neglected. Very little photography, painting or sculpting.
The recent spring-like weather has prompted me to sort out the solar lights for the garden, and these do cheer me up, even if I don't have much time to garden. I have been looking after my compost heaps over the winter and I can't wait to use the lovely rich compost for my tender spring garden.
I'm getting ahead of myself. There is a bit of winter yet to come. So I'll light the fire and snuggle down with the Boxer dogs. That'll be fun.