New Year, New beginnings .....

Well, dear readers, a new year has begun and my darling guardians are looking forward, much as we have mentioned with our Antipodean relatives who are in a most exciting phase of their new beginnings. My guardians await further news and, whilst they are waiting, have been planning for our own year ahead and, oh, how exciting it looks. As always, we have assessed our dear little home for necessary works to maintain the fabric of the buildings, plus walked the estate to check boundaries are safe and in working order. The little orchard has been reviewed with a view to some robust pruning at the correct juncture and the gardens assessed with a critical eye. As well as all of these necessary works, thoughts have turned to life and how we utilise it. There will be therefore a number of changes to enrich our time upon this earth. My lady guardian is a lover of art, design, textiles and colour, as our home bears testament to, therefore steps have been taken to renew her practise which has lain dormant for many years; time will tell but I have no doubt a great deal of fun and thus enjoyment will ensue, "the journey of a thousand miles" has "begun with one step" (Lao Tzo). 

Music, for many, is the panacea to all ills and oft a release for those pent up emotions. In their professional toil my guardians' both absorb the emotions of many and thus music can be a balm for this. It is with this in mind that the ability to play an instrument has been considered, however, the ability to read music is lacking. Now, dear souls, does one persever without this ability or does one grit one's teeth and attempt to understand the complexities of sheet music to begin with, or even find an instrument one likes and learn the notes by rote? Such a question and one to ponder along with which musical instrument to consider. My dears, such a quandary, but I have no doubt that a measured process will be undertaken and no rash decisions made - time will tell. My lady guardian's twin sister was a most accomplished cornet player in her youth therefore a most wise counsel may indeed be sought. It might, of course, after much consideration, lead to nought more than a renewed appreciation for music and those who make it.

My lady guardian has, this last week, undergone a small surgical procedure to rectify a most annoying  problem and is most delighted with the outcome. The first of many steps being undertaken as our new year pans out ahead of us. One feels, dear souls, that a new more refreshing chapter of our lives has begun and we look forward with renewed enthusiasm.