Like most of us this Christmas has been different when compared to previous years, Liz and myself were aware that we were not going to have the usual flood of guests and visitors; we talked this through in the approaching weeks to the festivities and suddenly found ourselves enjoying the strange peace and quiet for a change. The end result was that we had a marvelous Christmas. We talked a lot, walked in the country every day, read books, watched dvds and did digital church. We are in a bubble with a lovely lady who shared much of the festivities with us. Also we zoomed a great deal, as I suspect most of us did; the telephone was red hot and we didn't feel at all on our own, or separated from family and friends; as was reasonable at times we were a little concerned about the future, but all was in control.

Christmas this year has been a time for thinking, being quiet and being aware of where we are in everything. Is my art important; maybe? Well it does keep me focused and enjoyably busy. But more important, am I important, certainly yes? I feel more at peace than I have for a long time; thank you Lord.

So today is New Year's Eve and I wish you all the very best in the new year as we all begin to see lights of hope and reassurance to take us beyond this awful pandemic and into normality again. I wonder what the new normality will be like? 

Above is a careworn tree which we passed at Polesden Lacey the other day.