Here’s hoping the clouds part sooner rather than later and here’s to a quieter, and kinder, 2026 for us all.

Happy New Year, guys, and if it can’t be a happy one, I hope it’s peaceful.

No one knows what the new year will bring, but one thing I know that it will for us, personally, is further tenterhooks as we go through the motions and wait for the next steps.

One thing I haven’t been is a very good friend; having to cancel plans and projects and just plain let down because I simply haven’t the time to commit, and trying to find a few hours to sit down and play and or create something undisturbed is a rarity.

I’ve taken on a lot but I’m learning to prioritise and say ‘no’ or ‘later’ because I literally cannot afford to be spread too thin.

Time has gone nowhere, I think I’ve been in hospitals more this year than I have been at home, or at least it feels like it. I’m so behind on near enough everything with no idea of when, or if, I’ll catch up.

As per, Nan’s been absolutely fine ‘cus of course she’s fine, the lucky cow, as are the others.

It has all just been a bit much. Humbling too, with a weird sense of pride - something that I have rarely ever felt on any semblance of a level - but it has been exhausting.

I’ve gone through some (more) health issues including a cancer scare of my own which luckily was just a scare, but I’ve also really worked on myself with my pain psychologist and it’s been the best thing I’ve ever done.

This year saw me become a carer for my Dad who’s battled to save what sight he has, and now he faces another cancer scare. Thankfully he was given a slight, hopeful reprieve just before Christmas, and we’ll know more in a bit under two weeks.

And to you and yours, too!

Don’t be silly, that’s alright! So glad you’re home and that things went well! Sometimes I think the worst is the fasting!

All the very best, mate. Will be thinking of you both.

That’s encouraging; here’s hoping she has the willpower to leave off the fry ups and drink more water!

That’d be nice, but Rab’s a Scottish take on Rob, which is also nice but it’s famously associated with this character over here.

Oh, dear, I hope she and you all are alright.

Right? And 13 years?! Good, and how they say, GRIEF.