The end of another year

Grace and Emily joined us from England

No matter how good or bad the year has been, I have always liked New Year's Eve. I like it because it has always been a milestone for me. A day to remember to be grateful for all the good things that have happened over the past year, and to start putting the bad things in the past.

Despite some recent sad events, on the whole this year has been kinder to our family than 2012 was. I lost my poor Dad of course, but at least now he is free from any suffering, and we had enough time together to collect some beautiful memories which will stay with me forever. I still talk to him every day...and most of the time I can hear the advice he gives me back!

Also on the plus side, we found the new home which we were so desperate for a year ago, and we all feel very settled here. Having been in temporary accommodation this time last year, we were all able to appreciate having a proper home again for Christmas.

We had a lovely holiday in Cyprus this autumn and of course were joined by our new family members, Grace and Emily the skinny pigs. Skinny pigs are hairless guinea pigs...and these have certainly made themselves at home in our family.

There have been ups and downs of course, but what has remained constant throughout the year is the feeling of being surrounded by genuine friendship. Without our friends, our family would quite literally have been lost.

And with only a few hours left of the year I can't think of any better way to end this post than to say thank you from our family to all our friends, old and new - and from all over the world, who have stuck with us through everything.
Thank you to all of you for your support and love over this past year. I hope that 2014 brings good health, happiness and a few pleasant surprises to us all. Happy New Year!