As for the New Year... I'm going to be careful with this one. Last New Year's Day I remarked to Mrs XTM that the year had been a bad one and that 2009 couldn't possibly be any worse because of that fact. We toasted in 2009 with Champagne as we watched the New Year's Day concert from Vienna, oblivious of the events that were about to engulf our family barely six weeks later. It seems a lifetime ago... well, it's actually twelve months, eleven general anaesthetics and ten weeks in traction ago. That's probably why it seems like such a long time. I won't tempt fate this year by saying good riddance to 2009; after all, it's taught me many valuable things: the power of family, the good fortune in having so many kind friends and the danger of taking things for granted. And for that, I'm truly grateful.
Thinking of making you an honorary Aussie, what with the picture of the Sydney bridge and fireworks!
ReplyDeleteA good time was had by all, by the sound of it. More power to your recovery. Getting out and about after a period of incarceration does wonders,but take care with the physical bit especially. Had visions of you carrying home one of those giant paella pans from the kitchen place. Maybe not.
We are being softened up by the Met office for New Years Eve weather which may wash out the Melbourne festivities in the CBD. Forecast sultry 35c+,thunderstorms and general pestilence for the evening.
Happy New Year!
Best wishes, Chris from Melbourne, OZ
Nothing could be truer, ExTM. All the best to you and your family.
ReplyDeletebtw, just got home after wining and dining by the Opera House and under the Old Coat Hanger, pictured above... will have to watch the fireworks on telly though.
Cheers! Happier New Year.
Sending you hugs and warm wishes to your family.
ReplyDeleteHope your new year is a good one and that you improve in leaps and bounds, until you ARE leaping and bounding all about the place again.
:) take care.
Just an afterthought: What with the ten weeks in traction, eleven anaesthetics, sort of lends itself to a version of the 'Twelve days of Xmas'. ( Five golden rings, partridge x 1 etc )
ReplyDeletemmm... must work on that.
Chris from Melbourne - was just going to post exactly the same thing, LOL. Great minds...
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear you're enjoying being up and about again, XTM. Absence really does make the heart grow fonder, even of the most banal activities.
May your recovery continue apace!
Katy
Funnily enough, my husband and I had the same experience last NYE. We knew 2009 could not be as bad as 2008. However, the economic crisis set in, my husband almost lost his business, m company had issues, and our Great Dane died of cancer after a prolonged illness. Not one to believe in a jinx, or anything of that nature, I do think this year I will refrain from toasting to anything attempting to be prophetic.
ReplyDeleteSO happy to hear you have been having lovely holidays (as have I) and that you hobbled around the village. That must have been lovely at this time of year.
Best wishes to you and yours in the new year.
Hard experience has taught me not to say things can't get worse! They invariably do!! Long stories but suffice it to say, experience is a hard teacher!
ReplyDeleteI wish you continuing improvements in your health for 2010 and I sincerely hope that it is a better one than 2009.
It is great to hear you have been out and enjoying normal, everyday things. It is amazing how you come to appreciate the things that others take for granted.
I hope you have a happy and peaceful New Year!
Happy New Year to all..xxxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteMay peace break into your home and may thieves come to steal your debts...May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet for money... May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips...May happiness slap you across the face and ...may your tears ...be that of joy...and...May the problems you had, forget your home address!
Ness..xx
Cheers to your family (including Whiskers of course) in 2010...and may the new year yield as many "new global friends" as 2009 did.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're up and about poking about in favourite shops. Yes, there is nothing like a good kitchen shop.
Libby from Calgary
(-18C and snowing--I'd take a " sultry 35c+,thunderstorms and general pestilence for the evening" for my New Year's Eve)
Greetings this time from Vienna. We were at the State Opera House yesterday, watching the Nutcracker (Ballet) from the standing stalls and we will go there again saturday for the Barber of Seville. The New Year's Concert we will watch in TV though tomorrow morning/noon. Wishing you a whole bunch of blessings! Take care, all of you. Barbara
ReplyDeleteHappy new year!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear you're enjoying the silly season! Yes I'm in favour of making you an honorary Aussie. I think you have enough wit and humour ;)
ReplyDeleteHappy new year to you xo
Those fireworks were fantastic in person.....you and Mrs XTM really should plan to see them for yourselves to mark the end of 2010!!
ReplyDeleteI think a lot of folk have had a tough ol' year in 2009 and are hoping (though not speaking it out loud for goodness sake) that this new year and even the new decade will see things improve vastly and offer them a better year than they've just experienced.
I also hope things continue to be on the up an' up for you XTM and that we continue to read good reports and your other bits and bobs in the days, weeks and months ahead.
Happy New Year!! :)
My year hasn't been nearly so bad as yours but nor has it been easy. Wishing you and yours all that's good in 2010!
ReplyDeleteDear ExTM,
ReplyDeleteWas very happy to learn that you are back home. Many wishes for full recovery and time spent with loved ones.
I also hope 2010 will be a better year for animals in the world. So dear all, think with your heart or with your brain, but go vegan, it's the best New Years pledge anyone can make. thank you!