and now it's a new year!

As the page of time turns to 2009 I send you all my best wishes for a happy, healthy and peaceful year ahead.

It has been wonderful to hear from so many friends from around the world during the recent Christmas and new year period. What a great age we live in where communication can be so easy and so instant.

Life at home since my return from Pottsville has been hectic - same for you, I imagine. Once December starts we all seem to go into a mode of more heightened activity in our preparations for the holiday period. Well, I do anyway. The family Christmas party on Christmas Eve was a happy event - a gathering of all members who were in the country at this time. That included my daughter and her family who are here from Hong Kong. It was a privilege to have them stay with me for a few days - including the night that Father Christmas delivered! - and to participate in the children's excitement. Zeke is 5 years old and Willow is 2. They are just at the right age to understand the anticipation and then the excitement of opening their gifts from Santa as well as from their parents and their Mumma (that's me!).

Before Christmas I also had a visit to Dr Chen, the herbal doctor, who says that he is pleased 'with what's going on inside'. So..... all in all...... things are good.

I hope the start to your 2009 has been a happy one and the it continues to be all that you wish it to be.