Ben travelled back with Mum H on the 27th and so we decided to be brave and take Pip out for lunch on the 30th as we figured it would be crazy come New Year's Eve. In fact it was positively heaving at our chosen venue, however thanks to be God, we had a table at the far side and were sheltered by a huge Christmas tree. I was so relieved we were not seated in the main part of the restaurant it resembled a rugby scrum 🙄. Despite the nagging Covid worry rambling around in my brain we all enjoyed our meal:
Pip taking a photo of her food to show Ben as he'd been out for lunch with Nanna earlier in the week - she had Chicken Caesar Salad.
Dave had Tuna Nicoise.
Mine was goats cheese and beetroot salad and sweet potato fries. It was utterly delicious but I no longer seem to be able to tolerate any dairy including goats cheese/milk which is a shame.
On New Year's Eve we had a visit from some friends, it was lovely to catch up with them and the kids had a fab time. By the end of their stay I wasn't feeling too great (not Covid just a usual chronic health crash) and in truth I just wanted to go to bed but had promised to make dessert for our New Year's Day family meal and so I set too in making keto friendly Boston Cream Cake. To my surprise and delight it was a real winner 😊
Gluten free, dairy free and very low carb Keto cake.
I've not had a word of the year for several years but felt called to have one this time round and my word this year is 'Faith.' My faith has most definitely been tested this two years and not entirely due to Covid!! I haven't lost my faith in fact I'm incredibly grateful to have a real person who is so much bigger than me and knows every hair on my head that I can turn to. What I have missed is living the liturgical year and feeling safe enough to attend mass in person, assuming we are well enough to attend in the first place. My hope and prayer is that this year we will live out our faith more liturgically.
In addition to spiritual matters I've decided to have a go at three rather broad year long challenges - de-cluttering 2022 things in 2022, 1000 hours outside and adopting some of the #Home Front Solutions adopted by women and families during the second world war. I always do better when I have a focus and even if I don't complete all the challenges it's the trying that counts! I'm also a visual person and had a lot of fun decluttering some magazines, cutting out relevant pictures and making a vision board for 2022:
I love the phrase 'put a pause in your day' a reminder to sit down with a cup of tea and recharge and most importantly to spend time with God. I've welcomed the return of alfresco breakfast and coffee time with God for the last few mornings:
Outdoor Hours Chart.
Welcome blue skies this morning.
Yesterday's breakfast on a rather damp and dreary day ❤️