Happy New Year

So much has happened since I last wrote, which I suppose is not surprising given the time of year but where to start is a problem. So many highlights and lots of good times in the past two weeks and this morning my niece gave birth to a healthy second son who’s going to be called Teddy. His dad had a heart transplant not quite four years ago so that makes Teddy and his big brother Liam very special indeed.                                                                                                                              

I’ve really enjoyed all the celebrations especially ChristmasDay in Harrogate, walks with friends (one of whom was a past student who I hadn’t seen for twelve years), ten pin bowling with my son and his three children, spending time with my amazing aunty, her daughter (she was one of my bridesmaids) and youngest son and my niece, all of whom I’d not seen for ages. I’ve not enjoyed all the rain but today is dry and so was yesterday. Of course there were times when I felt sad, usually when I was driving and alone in the car.

It would have been Simon’s 65^th birthday on Friday so Eve and family decided to walk up his favourite hill, Simon’s Seat. It was drizzly, very boggy underfoot and misty on top but the boys sped up and down with no difficulty and in record time. Granddad would have been very proud of them, especially Daniel who is only three. He would have enjoyed being with them on Christmas Day too as they played very happily with their Lego all day.

Continuing the theme of walking, here’s a challenge for all the females and males too maybe. It’s called Walk in Her Shoes and the challenge from 4 to10 March, to coincide with International Women’s Day on March 10^th, is to walk 10,000 steps a day in solidarity with African women and girls who walk many miles each day to collect water and other necessities. For example, each morning 14yr old Ayanna, from Ethiopia, sets out on a 6 hour, 22km round trip to collect water for her family – that’s half a marathon. Collecting water is time-consuming, exhausting and dangerous and limits the time that women and girls like her can spend attending school or working. Everyone taking part is sent a pedometer to track their steps. By experiencing just part of what women and girls like Ayanna endure on a daily basis and raising £100 along the way will help to build boreholes and taps in communities, giving women and girls the time to fulfil their potential and providing clean water to thousands.
It’s a great challenge to take on with friends or colleagues, so please spread the word and form a team! I’m hoping to.For more information and to register go to www.careinternational.org.uk/walkinhershoes

My youngest daughter was in the US for Christmas and had a brilliant time. She continues to train hard for the London Marathon and needs more promises of sponsorship (for the Multiple System Atrophy Trust) to keep her going on dark wet evenings when she runs after work. If you can sponsor her please go to http://www.justgiving.com/Grace-Roodhouse

Sorry no photographs today. I've tried to upload without success. I promise to try harder next time.