Bitter sweet

Time, where does it go?

First of all, let me apologise for the very long delay in updating my blog.  I shan't come up with cockamamie excuses...but will make an early New Years resolution to update more often.

Secondly, I want to share some sad news with you.  A dear old friend of my late father passed away today.  I was out in the sunshine pruning my roses and took a break from the heat to pop inside and read a few emails, one of which brought tears to my eyes.

83 is a good age.  Uncle David was a fascinating man to know and his horrid taste in tea I have mentioned in previous posts.  He passed away at midday today.  No more Uncle David in person, but my what a life he had!  Such a rich and adventurous life.

Although almost blind towards the end, Uncle David remained sharp and quick witted, always with a smile and a joke.  He would not want tears or sadness, but for now that's what I have.  Maybe tomorrow I will think back on his wonderful sense of humour and smile again, remembering his poems and stories and funny little songs.

I can't think of a decent recipe to share with you today.  Uncle David always said I was so much like my darling Mama and that I had her cooking talents.  He had many a meal at my Mama's table in the good old days of Rhodesia.

Every year I would go into great detail sharing my Christmas menu with him, his reply would always be how just hearing the menu being read out to him (thanks to Ian) would cause a great 'salivation"!

I will miss him greatly.

Here's for you Uncle David RIP.

Don't weep at my grave,
For I am not there,
I've a date with a butterfly
To dance in the air.
I'll be singing in the sunshine,
Wild and free,
Playing tag with the wind,
Whilst I'm watching over thee.

Merry Christmas to all of you, once again I am reminded of how fragile life is - let us stop wasting time moaning and groaning about what we don't have.  I am grateful for the blessings of the love of family and my dear friends who enfold me in their love.