Full of good intentions

For the first time in several years we actually saw the New Year in - from the comfort and warmth of our lounge.  The midnight chimes of Big Ben, and a fantastic firework display from the London Eye -  stunning!  Texts to and fro, followed up with phone calls and visits today.  

We took ourselves off for a walk early this morning (before the rain set in yet again), our regular jaunt to see the pigs at Quarr.  Plenty of people out walking their dogs or, like us, simply taking the opportunity to get outside.  The temperature had certainly dropped today but nothing a couple of extra layers couldn't deal with.  We kept up a brisk pace and by the time we had returned home I felt really energised.  A great start to the day, and the year.

Whilst I have not given any thought to resolutions this year, one thing I continually struggle with is time-management.  I've had to admit to myself just how much time I waste every day.  Time which could be put to far better and more productive use.  I dither and procrastinate, get distracted from the task in hand and end up annoyed because something hasn't got done or has taken far too long.  Much gnashing of teeth ensues!  So this is something I fully intend getting to grips with; it's up to me to make the best use of my time and really it's not that difficult, it just requires a little discipline and organisation.  And less time spent playing cards on the iPad (gosh, that is such a time-waster!)

However, I didn't waste all of last year.  I ticked three things off my 'bucket list' (I don't really have a list as such, but these were things I have been wanting to do for a long time).  I walked the Wight, all 26 miles of it (I was really chuffed with myself for achieving that), I was a litter-picker after the Festival (and was horrified to see first-hand just how much 'stuff' is left behind), and in August we did the fort walk.  And 2015 also saw a new addition to our family, a very precious little grandson.  

We had a very productive growing season, turned our hands to all manner of crafty makes and continued pottering along, keeping things as simple as felt right for us.  


And now a new year has started.  There are plans - some definite and some needing quite a bit of work - and several hopes.   I always get such a sense of new beginnings at the start of every year, a time to start afresh with the best of intentions, and perhaps it's just as well I feel energised today with all the plans and hopes running through my mind.  One day at a time, with purpose.