How was your Christmas?

Mine was lovely, I had my family and friends around me. I went to the pub and out for meals. All most every day, for a two weeks, we were invited round to friends’ houses, or out for lunch. This was accompanied with a big dose of dog walking every day. Walking and talking, love it. Beautiful views, exercise and just good company

Loneliness: What must it be like to know .it’s Christmas and nothing to look forward to? Knowing you can’t just get in the car and see people. I felt so horrid, weird and guilty knowing my aunt was on her own. I knew her family was nearby, but they were busy having Christmas with the in-laws. Have I/we got this to look forward to?

So, all this coupled with dark evenings, sleepless nights and rubbish TV, I can’t wait. I found this on the interweb, the last two verses blew me away:   Cranky Old Man, By Mak Filiser ‘Dark days are upon me…My wife is now dead. I look at the future…I shudder with dread. For my young are all rearing…young of their own. And I think of the years…And the love that I’ve known. I’m now an old man…and nature is cruel. It’s jest to make old age…look like a fool. The body, it crumbles…grace and vigor, depart. There is now a stone…where I once had a heart. But inside this old carcass a young man still dwells. And now and again…my battered heart swells. I remember the joys…I remember the pain. And I’m loving and living…life over again. I think of the years, all too few…gone too fast. And accept the stark fact…that nothing can last. So open your eyes, people…open and see. Not a cranky old man. Look closer…see…ME!’