So another Christmas has come and gone.  I was not as Grinchy as I am normally (yes I really am a grinch about Christmas since my children grew up and left the nest).  We had a Christmas Eve get together not usual around here, as most people are on Lent till Christmas morning and 2 out of 3 of my family were here.  But, since I am a reluctant and lazy cook, at the end of it I am totally cooked out!  I can't bring myself to do any sort of cooking for a while.

On another note, the news from all over the world seems so depressing these days, I do not want to read the newspapers.  I find I have been hiding my head  in fiction, the lighter the better, or it has to be fantasy.  But then again, one never knows how life can suddenly change, fate always working mysteriously.  So here I am hoping that 2022 would be an improvement on 2021/

I turned 70 in the first week of this month--October.  I was lucky to have a lovely birthday with those of my children who are around, at a beautiful beach side resort.  As a result of the Covid scenario, we turned out to be the only guests at the resort!  

I am truly, truly grateful to my daughter, who made me a beautiful playlist of songs, organised the stay and best of all, composed a song for me.

As I grow older I realise, often I forget the age I am, more so when I listen to music.  But at times, although the mind is raring to go, the body is not quite up to it.  I am deeply grateful for all the loving relationships I have.  I am also grateful for each day of health and for life in an area where nature is mine to appreciate and up close.  The joy of hearing birdsong, watching brilliant sunrises and sunsets, seeing the seasons change is wonderful.  

The world around me and all it's happenings do get me down.  But, now I feel I will let the youngsters change the world to fit them better.  I wish that I may make even one person happy by an action of mine, each day that I have left in this world.

 Recently my grandson came and stayed with us for around 3 weeks.  For 2 weeks the whole family was here.  But he decided to stay on for another week.  Since they are all schooling from home, and since anyway he couldn't go out to play, he figured it was better to stay on here, as there is a great deal of greenery and  space around,.  Now, he has stayed with us very often, when he was little.  But, since he turned a teenager, it has been a long while since he stayed with us by himself.  

My husband and I found ourselves thoroughly enjoying his company, when he was not studying, and since he is in high school, he has a great deal of work.  His conversation was interesting and oh. how I missed him when he went back home.  I found myself moping around as I used to when my children first went off to university.

I am so glad that he thought of staying on with us for a week.

Vaccinations

 So the vaccinations in India have been rolled out for senior citizens.  My husband and I had our first shot today.  There has been a rush to register online to get the vaccines.  Today, at the centre we went to, there were 100 people waiting for the vaccine.  But we do not have drive by vaccination centres.  Besides, they make each person wait half and hour after the shot, to know if anybody has any adverse reaction, which was reassuring for amny with allergies or other issues.

But the guidelines are that masking and hand washing have to continue.  But then I guess masking, if one as a cold is always a good idea and maybe folks will get used to putting on a mask if one has a cold.  In our state, as masking is mandatory, you rarely see anyone in  a public space without a mask.  I guess masking up will become a way of life or maybe that is just a hope.  

Anyway here is hoping that this virus will slowly become controlled.

 I had a little baby staying here with his mum and older sister.  Having a baby in the house, as well as a young child makes you wake up to the wonder of life.  For a baby everyday is a new discovery and adding to his experiences.  Watching children also made me feel the ephemeral quality of a day, minute, second!  So much happens with each new day.  

The baby's older sister at times wanted time to stand still as she felt that being small seemed to get more attention.  I am sure many people would like time to stand still.  But no, each day goes by and we move into another day, month, year and then decades pass.  

The three year old asked me if I had ever been her age and when I said I had, I could see her trying to comprehend that idea and then wrestle with the possiblity that she too might get to be as old as me!

Well, as time rushes by, I hope I can spread some love and light in someone else's life as my December comes.

 So 2020--the year of chaos and uncertainaties--is over.  As matters stand, Covid 19 is still very much around.  But at least now the silver lining to the clouds is definitely shining, what with the many vaccines being tested.  Presumably the many vaccines will bring down transmission of the virus.  Certainly hope 2021 will be a look up from last year.