January 2018

Realised that visitors to Slamseys Journal are still being wished a Happy Christmas. Resolved to remedy situation but nothing to write about. Decided to wait for exciting event.

Back to work in the New Year. Rather depressing to walk into the glitz and sparkle of Christmas decorations when it’s all over. Took several days to take down displays, count stock and pack away. Debated why some decorations remain unsold for two years and then sell out. Resolved not to buy more snow globes this year. Good to have the space cleared and back to normal.

Moved printmaking equipment back into the Barley Barn. Spent much time with Ruth arranging it in Insta worthy display. Convinced ourselves that this is very important and in no way a means of avoiding office work. Ran out of time that day to do the accounts.

Have been detailed to choose light fittings for house. Looked online and discovered thousands. Visited local shop and found only six on display. Feel there must be some halfway place with reasonable, but not overwhelming choice. Wonder if we can get away with fewer lights. Pretended that I have unlimited time to choose and deferred decision. Ignored niggle in back of mind that I don’t have unlimited time.

Started to prepare for relocation of farm office. Jammed paper shredder trying to dispose of ancient paperwork. Discovered pile of vinyl LPs in cupboard and spent afternoon sorting office contents to musical accompaniment. Irritated by number of records with scratches and continued need to change record. Fate of turntable and record collection to be decided but relocation to new farm office not expected. Wonder if all records not mine should be returned to original owners. Ditto books. Decide not, thus affirming belief that writing your name on anything to ensure return is act of hope, not guarantee.

Shut up all but one of the ducks for the night. Tried unsuccessfully to round up errant duck but she hid in thick blackthorn hedge. No sign of her next morning, so presume she has been taken by fox. Remaining ducks consequently refused to go into safety of their pen for following three nights. Luckily all survived and eventually hunger drove them in, only to find the guinea fowl had appropriated the duck house in their absence. Left them to sort it out. Next morning discovered ducks cosily ensconced in hens’ nesting boxes. Marked decline in egg laying since.

Read Jane’s piece entitled “An idyllic life, or not”. Agreed with Jane and the comments left about what we choose to write about in blogs. Concluded that it’s probably better to push Happy Christmas from the first page of Slamseys Journal by writing about grey, less than idyllic January, rather than wait for something exciting to happen.