Sunday 13 January 2019

Just So … life goes on …




Another year … and I feel the same as I did that January day seven decades and one ago … well perhaps not – I guess I was a squawking new born …

A few more candles needed this year!

… my uncle came to see his younger brother and the family’s first born … then constantly reminded me through the decades – whether we were in Johannesburg, Cape Town, or here in Surrey/ Sussex – how mighty cold it was that year … thankfully 2019, so far, is giving us an easy ride – not like the European blizzards …


Today starts the 11th year .... 

 Another celebration happens with this post – I’ve been blogging ten whole years … amazing … I cannot believe that I’ve kept it up, settled into a ‘way of life’ …





… teaching myself so much, opening doors to other disciplines … and before another year goes by or I get too much older I must broaden my horizons further …


So for now – the Just So exhibition at Bateman’s in the two weeks after Christmas inspired the title … ‘Just So …’ as Kipling’s daughter demanded he repeated his stories exactly … just so



That's a clear glass in the centre - looks slightly odd in the
photo - luxurious colours ... 

The National Trust had decorated the house in rich Indian colours … set out the various story lines for the children, and let us adults peruse many of his creative achievements (words and art particularly) – as too his father’s and other connections …


How the rhinoceros got his skin -
Kipling woodcut - December 1901


We are lucky to have these great story tellers to tell us about life of the past, in different countries … and to set the scenes so well for us …







Batemans glowing in the winter light

I went out with some friends, as I now don’t have a car, and they are kindly taking me over to lunch at my brother’s house at Alfriston on the edge of the Sussex Downs … sadly other friends are away or ill … it’s that time of year … but …




Camel decoration ... 
I’m off now – another year wiser mainly about Canada: those posts I will continue – and who knows what happens next as we are living history as it happens (something I thought I’d never see) …






Alfriston Clergy House - the first National Trust property -
purchased in 1896 for ten pounds sterling

Thanks for all your support through the years … I’ve loved interacting with so many of you – and feel I’ve friends around the world … and I know from the few I’ve met – that is the case …



 


Here’s to a happy, healthy year to you all …



Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories

76 comments:

M. Denise C. said...

Congratulations on the 10 Years, Hilary! Cheers, MDC

Elephant's Child said...

A very, very happy birthday (belated) to a fellow Capricorn. And congratulations on your ten year anniversary as well.
I grew up with the Just So Stories, and can still recite great slabs of several of them from memory. Indeed it is where my blog persona came from.

Hels said...

Public acknowledgement of *cough* older birthdays are ambivalent, aren't they. On one hand, you want everyone to know that you have lived a good life, full of achievements. On the other hand, an older person has to deal with health issues (physical and mental), retirement etc.

Anyhow happy birthday and happy blogging :)

Lenny Lee said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! and HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY!

wow! i can't believe you've been blogging for 10 years. just think how much cool stuff you've posted and how much you've taught everyone about all sorts of things. i've learned a lot from you.

hooray for your birthday on St Hillary's Day. i hope you have a fun and happy time at your brother's house. drink champagne, have good food and eat lots of cake and ice cream. you deserve a wonderful day.

...lots of love and big birthday hugs to my Grandblogmom

Terra said...

Happy birthday, I see we are close in age. My cousin is 95 today and I sent her a bouquet, she still lives alone in her home. How interesting to see the photo of the first National Trust purchase.

Janie Junebug said...

I didn't know the reason they were "just so" stories. That's great. Happy Blogaversery and Happy Birthday. I just realized I've been blogging for 10 years, too.

Love,
Janie

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari om
Congrats on both counts! The years creep up don't they? Here's to a few more of them! YAM xx

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Denise - thank you ... ten years of blogging has helped me through lots of things ...

@ EC - I remember you're a Capricorn too - I'm way behind with my commenting. The Just So stories are such fun - and I always think of them when I comment or get across to your Elephant's Child site ... today's the day for the birthday and blog birthday - good timing (I thought) on my part!

@ Hels - well the word gets out via FB (which I don't much like) - but I like to celebrate, even quietly! I'm hoping my aged life will be kind to me!! I've been relatively lucky so far ... long may it continue on ...

@ Lenny - it does seem almost like yesterday that I started blogging ... explaining to my ill mother what I was doing and finding out she was always amazed and interested in the various subjects I mentioned. It gave me a positive outlet ... and still does.

St Hilary's Day - yes ... and I have some further information that I'll keep for next year's post - nothing like being prepared!

I expect we'll raise a glass, and have a lovely family, possibly roast, lunch with friends ... not too sure about the ice-cream though!

@ Terra - I think there's many of us in this vintage set - it's a good era. Congratulations to your cousin - lots of people are still able and independent into their 90s.

The Clergy House in Alfriston is pretty special - a lot of history there ...

@ Janie - yes ... it's interesting to find the history of the name 'Just So ...'. There's quite a lot of us blogging the years happily away - and for me notching another birthday at the same time ...

@ Yam - the years do creep up ... but I still feel somewhat younger - don't we all?! And yes - here's to a few more ...

Thanks so much for the lovely sentiments ... I shall have a happy day - albeit it's gloomy, at least it's warm for this time of year and it's not raining! I shall raise a glass to you all later on - cheers Hilary

Fil said...

Have a lovely birthday Hilary and congratulations on your blogiversary - it's been a pleasure meeting you here. You're so right about this period of living through history in the making - interesting times is probably the best to said about it all. I love the Rudyard Kipling exhibition - that's my promise to myself this year - go and visit a few museums - see, you've influenced me on that lol Have a good week. Fil

retirementreflections said...

Congratulations on ten years of blogging, Hilary! I don't think that I even knew anything about blogging 10 years ago. Very impressive!

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

Happy Birthday and congratulations on blogging for ten years, Hilary. That is quite an accomplishment. Your posts are always interesting and informative and I look forward to ten more years of your excellent writing and stories.

Jo said...

Happy Birthday Hilary. Hope you have a good one. Congrats on your 10 years too. Not sure how long I have been blogging.

I remember the Just So stories being read on the radio when I was a kid/younger woman. Purchased cottage for £10, wish one could do that today. Pretty place. That must be an interesting exhibition.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Congratulations on ten years of blogging! May you continue for another ten.

Deborah Weber said...

Lots of wonderful things to celebrate Hilary! Congrats on both your birth and your blog anniversaries, and best wishes for an extraordinary year.

Computer Tutor said...

What a lovely peaceful post. You don't have a car--by choice? There would be freedom not having to maintain and be responsible for a car. Hmm...

Chatty Crone said...

Congrats on ten years!!!!!!!!!!!! I'll have a drink with you!

quietspirit said...

Happy Birthday, Happy Blogoversary. In central Indiana, USA, we have between seven and eight inches of snow on the ground. This is the second day I have been housebound. The young man who takes care of our snow removal came from across town and slid off the road on his way over here.

Suzanne Furness said...

Happy Birthday, Hilary - mine next weekend so a capricorn too. Ten years blogging, a grand achievement indeed. Best wishes for the year ahead, hoping it's full of new adventures.

Rhodesia said...

Happy, happy birthday with many more years of travel ahead of you. Take care Diane

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Happy birthday and happy blog day!

Joanne said...

Happy Birthday and Happy Blog 10 years running. Quite impressive and I'm glad I've been along to read quite a few of those years. I look forward to many more. Meanwhile, eat cake and hoist a glass to yourself. I wish you good health and good cheer and stories "just so".

Jo-Anne's Ramblings said...

Congrats from me as well, blogging becomes a way of life, well it has for me.
2019 is only just starting I hope it is a good year for all of us

Anabel Marsh said...

Happy birthday to you and the blog!

Kathy G said...

I'm de-lurking to wish you a happy birthday and blog birthday. Although you're a little older than I am, I've also been blogging the same amount of time

bazza said...

A lovely positive post Hilary. Congratulations on...well, everything! You could publish a book of your Blog but I think you'd have a nightmare getting permission to use all of the pictures...
CLICK HERE for Bazza’s deliberately devastating Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Happy Birthday and congratulations on the 10 years! Hope your friends are feeling better soon so that you can catch up with them. :)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Bother – just replied to all the comments – then whish-bang the character count was too much … and the replies all disappeared – so now into Word and then copy across!

@ Fil – many thanks we had a good, even if gloomy January 13th yesterday, today has dawned sunny – but that portends the cold! We are certainly living through history at the moment – you’re right ‘interesting’ it is!

The Kipling Christmas exhibition was a delight to see – and taught me that I must learn lots more … read more of his works and other books about his times.

That’s great … that I’ve influenced you to start visiting museums, galleries and exhibitions – always so much on offer … and each piece just adds to the puzzle in our lives … enjoy them …

@ Donna – I just came across the concept when I was looking to learn more about the opportunities on the internet … and so jumped in – easier with other participants; I’ve learnt so much along those ten years …

@ Arleen – it’s been a fun time and I’ve taught myself so much. I’m just delighted you’ve enjoyed visiting and being around to read my posts – thank you …

@ Jo – ten years ticks by, when one is having fun … in those early years it helped with having conversation pieces to be able to talk to my mother about at the Nursing Centre, and to other relations or friends – opened the door for various thoughts and ideas … and stimulated us all …

I think probably so many of us grew up with Kipling and his stories. The exhibition was Christmas and ‘Just So’-story-themed – while Batemans is delightful to visit – the house is glorious: that golden sandstone …

The £10 purchase of the Clergy House was the start for the National Trust organisation of looking after and protecting special properties …

@ Alex – many thanks … we’ll see how I go – ten years is a possibility …

@ Deborah – yes this time of year is a good time … then I can relax! I too would love to have an extraordinary year ahead – better get on with it!!

@ Jacqui – thank you re the posting … I need to start the year quietly and peacefully.

I decided I didn’t need a car – so took the opportunity not to get one … we, ancients!, have free bus passes … and the buses here aren’t too bad – I’m fairly near town and the places I usually need to visit, so a car becomes a nuisance at times.

I’m near the train station for getting up to London – where I can use the buses, if I don’t get a tube ticket. The coaches still operate – and there seem to be more of them … though I’ve yet to go that route – but may do for a long journey.

My feet can do the rest of the travel that’s required!! So I’m stretching out – though I’m not a great hiker – but am happy to walk when necessary. And as you say I don’t have to worry about all the things associated with owning a car …

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Sandie … I’ll join you in raising a glass or cup of tea – cheers!

@ Arleen – I gather you’ve had a lot of snow – we might have some of the way … but I sincerely hope not your inches worth, which they’ve had on the continent here too. I hope that youngster’s truck isn’t too badly damaged and you get your snow cleared soon …

@ Suzanne – I remember you’re next weekend – Capricorns are good eggs!! Very down to earth souls. I’m looking forward to the year ahead – when I feel there’ll be new adventures abounding …

@ Diane – not sure how much travelling I’ll be doing, other than around the UK – while we still are the UK! But I shall enjoy what I do …

@ Diane – thank you …

@ Joanne – many thanks … and it always amazes me how we connect and become friends with other bloggers … it’s such an interesting journey. I shall eat – preferably not too much cake and probably drink not too many glasses for a while – just to make sure I can live out a healthier life for longer! Though, I shall enjoy continuing writing the stories and posts ‘just so …’

@ Jo-Anne – blogging does become a way of life doesn’t it … I’m happy though … and yes another good year for us all, I hope …

@ Anabel – many thanks …

@ Kathy – no harm in de-lurking … which you’ll need to do with all your snow you’re dealing with. Good to see you here …

@ Bazza – as you say I must do something with my posts … and this is the year for it. The pictures I thought I’d explode them out … and try and find an illustrator to help me – the future thought! Thanks for your positive thoughts re the blog though …

@ Elizabeth – good to see you … friends are due back today from their weekend break; while my other friend will recover in due course – she has a difficult time … but is a delight to be around. As too many others …

Thanks so much everyone – I am going to try and post these replies in two parts – as frustratingly the last lot disappeared into the ether … because I’d written too much! Cheers to you all and a very happy year ahead … Hilary

Keith's Ramblings said...

Where do the years go? If I could turn back the clock - I wouldn't! Hopefully, this will be your best year ever.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Wonderful. You have such an impressive education from all your wanderings and different places you have lived. Thank you for sharing the color of it all with us! Happy 2019!

Andrea Ostapovitch said...

Happy 10 years to you! I'll celebrate my 9th in April and it's quite hard to believe that I've been at it that long.

Have a great week,
Andrea

Elizabeth Seckman said...

I don't feel much different than when I was younger, but I do like to think I'm a bit smarter than I was. Young me could be quite the twit on her off days. LOL

Happy blogoversary!!! I do enjoy blogging. I didn't realize how people on pages could become such friends when I started. What a great world to be a part of!

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Happy Birthday, Hilary! And congrats on 10 years of blogging. And you manage to keep each post fresh and interesting.

Liz A. said...

Happy birthday. Congrats on 10 years blogging.

Mark said...

Congrats on 10 years! Here's to 10 more, at least :)

Amanda Trought said...

Happy New Year, and Congratulations and hugs for your birthday celebrations. It has always been a pleasure reading your blog, and look forward to more of your adventures and insights.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Oh my gosh, ten years of blogging!! Congratulations!!!
Wishing you all the best for this year.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Keith - yes one does wonder where the years go to - and I'd love it if this year will be my best year ...

@ Monti - thank you ... I try and learn, while letting common sense and my background knowledge filter my posts for me. Just delighted if you are able to see the posts with a degree of colour to them ...

@ Andrea - oh well done ... I remember last year and nine years is pretty impressive - as you say it's difficult to believe we've been blogging the length of time we have - however long!

@ Elizabeth - me too ... no different and I still make silly mistakes, though I know I'm smarter about some things. It's amazing how one's writing and interactions can give us these friendships - but they do ... and we become like-minded people ...

@ Susan - thanks so much ... it is something I strive for - to keep the posts unique to me and thus different for anyone who reads ...

@ Liz - many thanks ...

@ Mark - ten more maybe ... and other ten after that not so sure ... but who knows!

@ Amanda - great to see you here and thank you for the birthday hugs - happy to have those. So pleased you enjoy the blog and its tellings ...

@ Lynda - sometimes I feel like that 'oh gosh' ... but I'm glad I've fallen into a non-routine blog life ... without the strictures of 'having to' do things ...

Thank you so much for your thoughts on my ten years of blogging, and sharing the time with you ... it's fun interacting ... and I will now belatedly be catching up! Cheers Hilary

Deborah Barker said...

A birthday and blog anniversary together - congratulations! That is a milestone indeed...my ten years will be up next year I think, not that I intend stopping, just saying haha! The internet is a wonderful thing eh? Hope you have a wonderful and Happy New Year Hilary :-) XX

Lynda Dietz said...

Happy, happy birthday, Hilary! I'm so glad to have been a reader of your blog for half of its years now. The best is yet to come.

jabblog said...

Happy Birthday, Hilary and Happy Blogversary , too. What a pickle this world is in. Let's hope for much, much better in 2019.

Christine Rains said...

I hope you had a wonderful birthday. Congratulations on 10 years! That is amazing. I'm now craving chocolate cake. :)

Inger said...

You are using your blog as an educational tool in a way. I recall I had my moments doing that earlier on.

I have felt recently that I'm living such a boring life with nothing much of interest to write about. Of course, I'm not bored, I love my life here, I love being home alone with the dogs, I love all of it, but to others, I mean what do I really have to write about?

But now it is a new year and you have inspired me so much. We'll see what I can do with it. No promises, but I feel a new direction coming on. A much needed one for my continued blogging.

sage said...

Happy belated birthday. Today is mine b-day. Sixty decades plus two. I’m the age I can buy a lifetime National Park Pass, which is all I wanted for my birthday but since our government isn’t working, I can’t get one! Oh well, some have it worse—they’re not getting paid.

www.thepulpitandthepen.com

Mike@Bit About Britain said...

Well - congratulations, Hilary, on both your milestones! I had hoped to visit the Sussex Downs between Christmas and the New Year, but was scuppered after losing a tyre on a pothole near Ashdown Forest...Grrr!!

Anonymous said...

Happy (belated) birthday, Hilary. You've lead such an amazing life and I'm grateful you share a piece of it with us. Also, congrats on ten years in the blogging world! Very awesome!

Elsie

Debbie D. said...

Happy Belated Birthday, Hilary and congratulations on your 10th blogging anniversary! How time flies. ☺ I'm glad you enjoyed your time in Canada. Looking forward to reading more in your future posts. I've been very lax in the blogosphere this past year, but hope to remedy that in 2019. Wishing you all the best in this new year!

Sandra Cox said...

Hope your birthday was wondrous, Hilary.
I love that you have such an unquenchable thirst for knowledge.
Here's to another decade and one of good health, happiness and productivity.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Deborah - it is wonderful how many of us have met, and have continued blogging for so long; the internet is definitely an amazing tool for so many of us ... I look forward to us all have fantastic years ahead.

@ Lynda - it's been lovely having you around and being able to pop over and read your editorial advice. I'd love the best to be on its way!

@ Janice - yes the world is in a sorry mess ... well so it appears to us and I do hope someone will come forward and lead us out of this distinctly difficult era.

@ Christine - lovely weekend and still celebrating ... no chocolate cake so far! Ten years isn't bad is it ...

@ Inger - you're right ... more of a self-educational tool - and yes you did that too - I remember many Swedish posts. My life isn't that interesting ... but via the talks, classes etc that I do - I make it appear lively. The blog writing entertains me, while teaching me something.

We love reading about your life with the dogs and your Canyon. That's great if I've inspired you to continue on blogging - with a slightly different emphasis - good luck with your ideas.

@ Sage - I was over to wish you a Happy Birthday - Capricorns together ... sixty decades - means you're in Methuselah's age range!! There are distinct advantages (for a while) of reaching 'retirement' ages - I'm very grateful for the free things I get - I sure hope that Government shutdown is resolved very soon - it's terrible for those without pay.

@ Mike - thank you. The Downs are just great to see everyday now I'm back ... but losing a tyre in a pothole along the Ashdown Forest road must have been a right pain - I can quite see why you're Grrring! still.

@ Elsie - thank you ... belated ones are good too. My life wanders along - I try and put a happy spin on things ... as being positive is so much better than crying in my boots!! I'm delighted you enjoy my postings and tales ...

@ Debbie - I get your posts ... and will be over. I loved Canada and would happily visit again ... just not in those circumstances. But I'll still do some write ups ... and yes I hope 2019 will be a better year for us all ...

@ Sandra - both Capricorns ... I had a good birthday celebratory day.

My quest for knowledge so often undermines me getting on with life! As I keep looking and theoretically learning.

I so agree with your thoughts - here's to good health, happiness and productivity in the years ahead (many of them I hope!) ...

Cheers to you all - I really will be in full swing next week - I've been lax - but in the meantime - thanks for all the visits and wishes - here's to a very good 2019 ... Hilary

Sara C. Snider said...

Happy (belated) Birthday, Hilary! And many congratulations on your blogging milestone. I hope you continue blogging for many more years to come! Also, congrats on your return to your homeland with some Canadian adventures under your belt. ;)

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

I hope you had a fantastic birthday, Hilary. I hope it was... just so. :)

Happy anniversary with the blog, too. Ten years is a good long stretch. It's a wonder we still have something fresh to write about, isn't it? I hope you continue to blog for at least another ten years.

Here's to a loverly weekend. Cheers!

Kelly Hashway said...

Congrats on 10 years of blogging!

Michelle Wallace said...

Congrats on 10 years of blogging, Hilary!
A belated Happy Birthday - I hope that you had a wonderful birthday last week.
Happy New Year to you! I hope it's been a good one so far.
I'm excited to see what blog posts you have in store for 2019.

Anonymous said...

Like everyone else, wishing you a belated, but hopefully it was relaxing and quiet birthday, Hilary!

Isn't it great how time flies here in the Blogger world? I'm a few years behind you, but it's amazing how many wonderful people are on here - and it's great to reconnect as time goes by and people drop in and out, but mostly hang around :)

grams ramblings said...

Dear Hilary. A very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I also had a birthday a few days ago . It was amazing!
And happy tenth anniversary on your blogging career.
So happy to have found you again after a couple of years .

gramswisewords.blogspot.com

Maria said...

Belated birthday wishes and congratulations on 10 years of blogging! You've made me realise, and remember that I too started this blogging journey ten years ago. Where has that time gone?

Stay well and happy and Blog on! X

Marja said...

Belated happy birthday and an amazing 2019 and congrats with 10 years of blogging. I have been blogging for a long time but had long breaks as well. Always come back to it though.
That cottage on the photo is beautiful. I love that camel as well I have been chasing them in the past for my brother who collects them.

mail4rosey said...

Celebration time all around. Hear hear! Congrats on the blogging anniversary and I hope you had a wonderful birthday! Our story teller here was the kids' grandpa but he's now unfortunately passed. He was 100% American Indian and once held a very presitgious role in the tribe (before he turned to secular work). He did continue to go to pow-wows and things and really got involved in such things when he retired. Boy, did he have some stories to tell!

Sandra Cox said...

The picture from the National Trust is beautiful.
I trust you are still partying down:)

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Happy birthday, Hilary, and congratulations on ten years of blogging. We have all enjoyed your esoteric input and good humour. Next celebration will be twenty-five years at the keyboard!

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Aww celebrations. You are such a great person to celebrate. Happy late Birthday. Thanks for being you and writing such good posts.

Teresa

Sue said...

Living history as it happens; I like that phrase. Congratulations on all your years blogging. I know you've brightened my life, and no doubt many others.

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi Hilary! Happy belated birthday and congrats on ten years!!!! I remember seeing your posts when I first started, LOL, I've been blogging just over eight years, in September of this year, it will be nine for me! Yikes!

Hope your weather remains temperate so you'll still be able to get around. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Sherry Ellis said...

Happy Birthday, and Happy Blog-versary. Ten years is a long time for blogging.

Eddie Bluelights said...

Hi Hilary and Happy Birthday and Happy 10th Blog anniversary and Happy New Year. I hope th be back in Blogsville for a while now that I have joined a poetry group. . . . Cheers Eddie :)

Susan Scott said...

I came by to see if you'd put up a #WATWB post Hilary - I don't receive them automatically in spite of requesting them! But I see I missed your birthday so a belated happy birthday! And congrats on 10 years of blogging! Hope you're settling back 'home' nicely and are taking the Brexit drama in your stride. All best wishes, Susan

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Sara - many thanks for both ... yes I hope to continue on blogging for a few years yet. I loved Canada - but it'd be great if I could get back to see more ...

@ Susan - it was quietish but probably a good thing as the years tick by! Yes the blog has outlasted my early thoughts ... yet as many others, you definitely, we find other things to write about - for ourselves and for anyone else interested ... thankfully there's an interest!

@ Kelly - many thanks ...

@ Michelle - it's amazing isn't it ... one seventh of my life: which seems a strange thing to mention! Life goes on ... the birthday is as ever extended - which makes it a fun and special spending time with others. I must get back to writing - lots of ideas to do ...

@ Mark - many thanks ... quiet and seeing family and friends over the days. It's amazing how we meet people in this world of blogs - and can so easily reconnect - it's lovely seeing you back with us ...

@ Maz - good to see you again ... I'm just about to get back into blogging properly ... so will be over soon. Congratulations on your own birthday - and thanks so much for 'searching me out again' ...

@ Maria - thank you! Where has that time of ours gone - I know ten years is one longish journey ...

@ Marja - there's lots going on ... with many of us apparently having been around the blogging fraternity for quite a long time. Both of those properties are very pretty. Finding the 'Just So ...' stories illustrated around Batemans was pretty special to see. Interesting hobby for your brother to have ... but fun to learn about.

@ Rosey - Celebrations still going on ... but must settle down. A peaceful happy time was had by friends and family.

Re the childrens' Grandpa I sure hope someone wrote his stories down for you all ... or at least there's a verbal record somewhere - these narratives are so important for us to remember, but particularly for your children and their children ... very special tales ...

@ Sandra - the National Trust do have some wonderful properties, which they maintain so well ...

@ David - thank you ... at least visitors come in to read so it appears they're not too put off with my esoteric outpourings on life! Good humour is readily available here - thankfully ...

Twenty-five years at the keyboard ... that's just about possible, seeing as I've done ten of them ... I wonder if we'll be typing in another 15 years ... interesting thought!

@ Teresa - yes ... celebrations - always good fun - thank you. Delighted you enjoy the posts ... I enjoy writing them ...

@ Sue - well we are ... and honestly I never thought I'd be living history as it happens - but here in the UK we definitely are ... where it'll end who knows ... I could go on 'with how cold my toes are' !! So pleased to know you feel brightened having visited many of the posts ... thanks.

@ Michael - I know some of us have been around all these ten years and some much longer ... as you say 'Yikes' to the years that have got away ... and are going away ...

Down here the weather is usually pretty reasonable - I'm pleased to say ...

@ Sherry - yes one seventh of my life = ten years of blogging!

@ Eddie - I saw you'd come back into blogging via a poetry group ... so I'll be across to visit - it'll be good to see you again ...

@ Susan - yes I finally did get a #WATWB post up ... some things don't seem to work - I've no idea why - so sorry you don't automatically receive any posts I put up.

Birthday still ongoing - which is always fun ... and that 10 years of blogging still amazes me. As I emailed life is slowly settling down - but I really need to kick on ... while taking Brexit as it happens. Thanks for the check in.

Cheers to you all - I really might be back blogging again ... a few things to finish off this weekend then all systems go ... take care and all the best as the year progresses ... Hilary

Kay G. said...

Oh! I have been to Alfriston and it is lovely! My husband's good friend lives in Burwash and he has taken us to Bateman's several times and I envy you seeing it dressed up for Christmas! So happy for you back in Sussex!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Kay - Alfriston is stunning as a village isn't it ... and so much history.

Bateman's is such a delightful house with beautiful gardens ...

So good to know you've been visiting these areas of East Sussex in the surrounds of Eastbourne ...

Cheers Hilary

Vallypee said...

Happy anniversaries, Hilary!! I’m glad to see you’re back at your explorations again in England. It’s been lovely keeping up with you over the years. Ten years is a long running for a blog...there aren’t all that many of us who’ve kept at it. Wonderful!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Val - well I thought I'd continue with Canada for a while - lots to write up ... and then I'll get back to writing about experiences here in little old England. 10 years is a long time isn't it - yet I'm surprised how many of us have been blogging for many years and we've all developed these friendships ... who'd ever have thought ... wonderful world. Cheers Hilary

Yolanda Renée said...

Congratulations! Happy Anniversary!

I didn't even note my ten year anniversary last year. But like you, I've learned so much and met so many wonderful folks in that time. You are one! Thank you!



Aj @ Read All The Things! said...

Happy (belated) birthday and congrats on blogging for 10 years. I’ve been blogging on and off since 2005. I still have my childhood copy of Just So Stories. I loved that book.

Aj @ Read All The Things!

DMS said...

10 Years! Bravo! I always love visiting your blog. I learn so much and enjoy getting to know you too. :) I am glad you have some friends who can drive you around- that makes it easier. Also- so far, we've had lots of cold- but less of a winter when it comes to snow. Hope it is the same there.

~Jess

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Yolanda - many thanks ... my blogging anniversary appears on my birthday - so both get acknowledged ... and yes it's been an interesting and fun journey - which offers much ... ten years is a good length of time: congratulations ...

@ AJ - I'm always amazed how long many of us have been blogging, and like you many for far longer. It's lovely having our childhood books - I have mine from my late teen years ... but no earlier ...

Great to see you both - cheers Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Jess - sorry your comment needed a nudge out of moderation.

You're so kind - having made the decision to not get another car ... which is strange for me as I drove and had a car from the day I could get on the road - aged 17. It's relatively easy round here ... buses and my feet can manage - except for the odd lift.

We've got away lightly so far ... but it is a kind climate down here ...

I've loved the blogging life - and have learnt so much from one and all - and it's been great getting to know you two at DMS ...

Cheers Hilary