Hello Sylvia
Sorry to read that the dreaded black dog is approaching

Is there a light box to borrow?

Do they help you?
take care

Jenni x

Hi Sylvia
So sorry to read how you are feeling today, we love reading what you are up to and your amazing positive zest and zing you have.
Any plans for this evening?
How about a hug and gentle squeeze from your hubby? (Or Misty)
If you still feel the way you do after tomorrow, make an appointment with your gp or call up today if they are still open.

New year wishes and love to you Sylvia.
Take care of yourself.
Jane
Xxx

Thank you so much for your lovely replies - it really helps to know that I'm not alone. Still feeling a bit low but nothing too bad. I'm back to work tomorrow and I'm hoping that a change of scene will give me the kickstart I need. Love and hugs - Sylvia xx

Sylvia,
Hope you are feeling brighter today. There's always such a build up to Christmas and then it's over in a flash. I always feel a little down when the kids go back to their own homes again, this years different though as daughter is living back at home for a while, she never lets me get down for long.
Mary

Hi All - you are such a wonderful boost! I've been to work today, and although I'm feeling tired now, it's been good to get out of the house and back into a normal routine. I definitely feel a lot brighter - not exactly bouncy yet - but I'm getting there.

My husband collected me from the station and took me home for a nice jacket spud with tuna and sweetcorn - wow I thought, it's my lucky day - but he had an ulterior motive and wanted to go to the pub for a couple of pints (him not me) - huh! But it was jolly good fun - the landlady thinks the world of Misty and always has doggy biscuits and cuddles for her. It was pretty quiet in there, but just a handful of us regulars having a chat and a laugh - I've only recently been able to say I have a local, but I can see how very important it is. Hope you all get a laugh and chat today - love and hugs - Sylvia xx

Thanks Fiona - I do get down days and I'm not always feeling bright and strong. I think you're right about January being a dark month - that definitely doesn't help.

I read a book many years ago called Mindstore and one the things it said is "whatever we choose to think we choose to have in our lives" - I interpret that to mean that if I dwell on negative thoughts then that's what I'll get in my life - but the converse is also true - if I focus on the positives then I'll get more of that. So generally I always try to look for the positive angle on any problem in my life and in my experience good things follow on. It's been especially beneficial now that I have RA, because it is very wearing to live with constant nagging pain and physical limitations - but everyday I choose to focus on the positives and my life is richer now than it's ever been. As Liz used to say in her signature "Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional".

I hope you have a good day - much love - Sylvia xx

Hi Fiona - yes definitely with you on needing sunshine! My snowdrops have been out for a week or so and look pretty.

I've been getting help in the garden for the past few months, and it's really made a huge difference. Last year, all the borders were brown and weedy and the lawn looked a mess, but my neighbours husband comes in for an hour or so each week and he's done a brilliant job. He's happy to do what I ask and gradually he's uncovering all my nice little plants and helped to clear the veggie patch, and it's a real pleasure to look out of the windows and see the garden spring into life again.

Not many flowers - but I can see my onions are poking up and I intend to sow some broad beans - I grew them last year and I had so many beans I couldn't eat them all. They were incredibly easy to grow - just sow and wait - pinch out the tips before the blackfly get too prolific and then keep picking the beans - yummy!

I've decided I'm not very keen on looking after flowers - if they grow by themselves then that's good, but I'm too lazy to grow bedding plants well, so I just enjoy other peoples'! It's just as well that I live in a neighbourhood with very neat gardens - as I drive in and out I am currently enjoying seeing the cherry trees come into blossom and everywhere is starting to look that lovely shade of bright spring green!

Yesterday I noticed birds singing as I came out of work and walked towards the bus stop. I realised that this was the first time I'd left work in daylight for months - so nice that the days are drawing out again. I like this time of year - it speaks to me of new beginnings - and that's always a good feeling.

Have a good day - Sylvia xx