Upheaval and decisions

Well, my dears, what a week it has been. One has to say that, despite one's best efforts, plaster dust really does get everywhere; why a film did cover every possible surface. My male guardian however worked wonders one morning brushing and mopping the floors to ensure a warm, clean welcome return for my lady guardian after a day spent in toil. Such a generous gesture after such recent turmoil gladdened her heart. This very morning began the whitewashing of the new ceilings and chimney breast in preparation for the return of the electrical gentleman to finish the new lighting and the builder to place a new beam and corbels for a fine oak mantle. As the lady of the house my dear lady guardian has had many a decision to make; why which colours to use, where the lights should be placed, what size and colour beam for the mantle. My male guardian and the builder did solidly agree that these were decisions that only the lady of the house should make. A wise decision indeed as I am sure, my dear reader, one agrees. 

It has to be said, I am truly grateful that the building work has reached a stage where one can once again light the home fires against the winter weather and warm our little home. Typical, is it not, that the work should reach a crescendo when the coldest days of the year are upon us and to allow the plaster to dry slowly, lighting of the log burner was forbidden. Oh my, dear friends, I am past the flush of youth that bears this well and spent every possible moment one could ensconced upon a warm lap, upon or betwixt my guardians, whenever physically possible. It was of course, you understand, most necessary to keep them warm.

Alas, my guardians are making noises to continue  the work therefore I will bid you adieu for the moment. One must ensure the quality of the work at all times dear reader thus it is my duty to attend to my guardians.

Life goes on....

"It is never nice to lose someone close to you; unfortunately, life goes on and we have to make peace with it and move on." (Francois Hougaard). Wise words, for life does indeed go on. 

A year ago my guardians had agreed for the builders to commence some work on our small home, these first weeks of the new year, to further improve our home. Such a dilemma this did cause in light of recent events. After much deliberation of whether to continue or not, the decision was made to continue, thus we find ourselves once more in the capable and reliable hands of our small band of tradesmen. The ceilings in the two main reception rooms are undergoing a process of insulation and sound proofing, followed by refacing with plaster and the upgrading of the electrical systems. Why, my dears, the improvement is already apparent. Indeed, the chimney breast in our main reception room will also form part of the upgrade. The finest pair of carved corbels will support a new mantel shelf on which one of my lady guardian's beloved clocks will sit, plus the perfect spot for some fine portraits of those no longer with us; gone but never forgotten.

Whilst our home is currently in disarray, and I find myself seeking solace in the upper rooms, I have faith that our little family will soon be restored to the peace and calm so beloved of my late darling brother and my lady guardian's mother; both appreciative of a quiet country sanctuary in which to relax and enjoy the delights of the quintessential English country garden. Both soon to rest for eternity within the sanctuary garden of my guardians small estate.

Goodbye darling lady

A funeral service amidst the festive season is never an experience one should have to endure. A time when, all around one, families are joined together in celebration reinforces the loss, particularly when it is the Matriach of the family. Six individual siblings remembering a life well led, the trials, the tribulations, the experiences; joy amongst the considerable sadness.

A large family with children, six in number, grandchildren and great grandchildren, voices raised as one to herald the passing of life from one dimension to the next. Beautiful music, a fitting eulogy, a tribute to remind one to remember the beloved deceased; floral tributes befitting of the deceased's love of flowers and a flood of sadness and tears that befit the passing of such a treasured lady. Her final resting place with her husband, off to waltz in the heavenly kitchen, as many a moment was spent in their earthly home. 

Those having flown in from across various waters, are homeward bound, and those more local, all with heavy hearts that only time will heal.  "Death leaves a heartache difficult to heal; love leaves sweet memories no one can steal" (Headstone, Ireland, 1889).

And can it be that, in a world so full and busy, the loss of this creature makes a void so wide and deep but the width of eternity can fill it up! (Charles Dickens, 1812 - 1870).

Eulogy

Where does one begin to write a eulogy, my dears, for it is an important summary of a loved ones life. My lady guardian is one of six and to bring together fond memories that are both shared and commemorate the loved ones individuality,  can indeed be a difficult task. However, six memories are a rich seam of information to tap and have delivered some joyous moments of delight on which to reflect, that should lift a mourning heart from sadness to the comfort and joy of having shared the deceased ones life. For in the words of Tennyson "Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all",  a fact that has given great solace over the last few days. 

The task of packing up the effects, whilst mournful and truly emotive, should be viewed as a summarisation of the loved ones life viewed in objects that raise, in their handling, fond smiles and tears of joy for a life well spent. Photographs, a captured moment in which to revel; perfume a tug on the olfactory heart strings. 

The poem by Henry Scott Holland, "Death is nothing at all" a reminder to loved ones to talk, smile, laugh and enjoy the life of those no longer with us, for in these very acts do we keep the memories alive and fresh in our minds.  As in the words of the poet, "All is well".

Peace on earth & goodwill to all......

Dear friends, may we wish you a sombre but heartfelt Merry Christmas, and wish for peace on earth and goodwill to all.

It has to be said, my dears, that 2015 has not been our finest year. My male guardian saw the loss of his Mother, our little family the loss of my beloved brother and nought but a few days ago, my lady guardian experienced the loss of her beloved mother. This Christmas day sees a subdued family, awaiting arrival from the Australia's of her beloved twin sister. As I write, my lady guardians eldest sister is awaiting arrival in our capital city. Once united, they will make haste in the carriage to our small estate where the home fires blaze to welcome them all, weary travellers. An emotional time awaits but one that must commemorate a life well spent, with inevitable tears but also joyful laughter of shared fond memories. A life well lived, with an unexpected end but one that, whilst hard for those left behind, was mercifully calm and peaceful. Such as one can only wish for.

We go this way but once, live life to the full in whatever that may mean for you but more importantly, enjoy it. 

Christmas preparations and calamity...

Well, dear souls, the count down to Christmas, the most joyful of celebrations, has begun. Once more my guardians have embarked upon the gathering of small tokens destined for family members. The Christmas cards bound for Australia and America are wending their way across the seas as I write, as do many a greeting bound for various counties within the United Kingdom. I do believe there is nothing more delightful to receive than a hand written card, notelet nor letter. Whilst my guardians and I have fully embraced the electronic correspondence, the warm feelings that one experiences on receiving a hand written missive cannot be dismissed. I do so hope you have sent yours with love and affection to those in your hearts and minds.

Serious consideration has duly been given to the festive feast with many discussions undertaken. The garden has been surveyed for suitable greenery and a small Christmas tree purchased. My lady guardian has this very day fashioned a suitable wreath to adorn the entrance to our home on this small estate, gathered from the garden, red bows become the small bays trees atop the steps to the front door. Paper cut snowflakes fashioned for all to enjoy. Oh the joy of simple country adornments.

Calamity struck this evening however; my mistress had completed her self determined tasks for the day and was enjoying a light repast of home made soup. As she ate she felt what she believed to be a small stone or some such article in her mouth. Alas, dear reader, no for my mistress, on investigation, revealed a portion of tooth that had broken free from a molar. Oh dear, dear me. My poor lady guardian is naught feared of much bar the dentist who she must now throw herself upon their mercy once more. On the morrow she must enquire of the availability of an appointment and trust that her courteous, gentleman dentist does take pity on her. A most anxious evening and night will be spent in fearful anticipation. I know you will wish, as I do, for a speedy conclusion to this sorry tale for my lady guardians sake.

Winter weather and December

My dears, one must send our thoughts and prayers to the people in Cumbria and the Scottish Borders following the most awful of deluges that has seen more rain in one day than has been recorded before. Oh the sorry sight of water rising to waist height and making its way through streets, houses, indeed anything in its way. Why Carlisle has been devastated, as have Keswick and the borders. Why even the best of defences could not hold back such a surge of water, some 14 inches in a day. Roads, power, and the basics for life all paralysed by water. Here in my home county we have great empathy for you, having suffered a similar problem. We are thinking of you.Take heart my dear friends, take heart.