First of all, may I wish you, whether a regular or new reader, a Happy New Year. To celebrate this time, I’ll try to refrain from grumpy thoughts albeit the weather at the time of writing is somewhat inclement. I don’t know now what it will be like when you get this; probably, most of us long for an improvement anyway.
In case the weather is still unfavourable when this article appears, in an attempt to cheer you up, I’ll mention some things where people are pleased at the onset of snow. (prompted by radio listeners’ comments). When I saw the refuse lorry reversing down our snow-covered cul-de-sac, I felt a tinge of pride remembering when I used to calculate the operatives’ pay. Those who have to remove chewing gum from icy pavements must be pleased, also farmers who will spend less on insecticides after a cold spell has killed many of the pests. Apart from strict dieters (for medical or personal reasons), the majority of folk prefer to have an alleged excuse to eat cakes and puddings. Reluctant gardeners welcome the time when their white garden can look as attractive as their neighbour’s.
I expect that we may know of (and, possibly, envy) those unaffected by our weather, probably because of being abroad on holiday.. Mine include a local newsreader who honeymooned in Jamaica and a friend who went to Australia. Good for them!
The following thoughts demonstrate my tendency to retain my feelings as a former chorch treasurer - firstly, I hope you didn't keep your magazine deliverer waiting too long while you searched for some cash for the subscription. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to tho volunteers who make sure we get our magazine each month, regardless of the weather. We have been reminded of the desire (need?) to increase subscrilpion levels; an easy way is for readers to show their neighbours a copy and tell them the advantages of having it regularly (not forgetting the discount or value as a local trade directory). It may well produce useful results if you leave a recent copy on the pile of reading materialis in the waiting area of such Thorpe organisations as hotels, hairdressers, doctors and several other places..
Thanks for your time reading this. All the best for 2011
"Almost all absurdity of conduct arises from the imitation of those whom
we cannot resemble." - Samuel Johnson
"Once conform, once do what others do because they do it, and a kind
of lethargy steals over all the finer senses of the soul."
- Michel Eyquem de Montaigne
"Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version
of somebody else." - Judy Garland
"Almost every man wastes part of his life in attempts to display qualities
which he does not possess, and to gain applause which he cannot
keep." - Samuel Johnson
"It is the chiefest point of happiness that a man is willing to be what he
is." - Desiderius Erasmus
