Tuesday 31 December 2013

Should old acquaintance be forgot........

FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE

Outside my window... it is cold and wet just as it has been for days, no White Christmas for us in Normandy this year.

I am thinking... that although I've been sad this year, losing Mr Ben was very hard, there has been much to enjoy. Our Kos vacation being the highlight.



I am thankful... for my wonderful husband and the happiness he brings me.

In the kitchen... for our celebratory New Year’s Eve dinner I’m serving twice baked smoked salmon soufflés followed by the SP’s historic steak frites. You can find the souffle recipe from Sara Buenfeld by clicking here.

I am wearing...comfortable warm clothing; corduroy pants, brushed cotton tunic and my favourite shawl collared cardigan.

I am creating...my last scrap book layout for 2013, the photograph is of me aged 4, in 1954 sat on Santa’s knee in his grotto at the Co-op Stores, King Street, Oldham, Lancashire, UK.



I am going... downstairs very soon for afternoon tea and the last of the homemade mince pies, Delia’s recipe of course.

I am wondering...if the wood burner has warmed the sitting room, ready for tea time. I'm sure it will have.

I am reading...One Thousand White Women, the Journals of May Dodd by Jim Fergus, for the second time.



I am hoping...that 2014 will bring peace and contentment.

I am looking forward to....a second visit to Derbyshire, UK in May and time spent with family.

I am learning……. patience and acceptance, que sera, sera.

Around the house...there are two new couches sitting on the new fitted parquet floor in the newly decorated sitting room and a brand spanking newly installed Falcon stove in the kitchen.




I am listening to.....a CD from Classic FM; Schubert's Trout and other chamber music favourites.

A favorite quote for today...”Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow” – Anon.

One of my favorite things...a new diary full of clean empty pages.



A few plans for the rest of the week: a walk on the beach at Vierville-sur-mer with Roger and Fleur a New Year’s Day tradition for the Bryants, and if the rain keeps falling look for me in front of the fire reading a good book.


Happy New Year to all my friends and followers, may 2014 be the year that all your plans, hopes and dreams come true.




8 comments:

  1. This is a wonderful post, Maggie! I've missed your posts and visits and hope to see you more in the new year. I love your day -- it sounds quite perfect. And your new couches are lovely. In fact I love every single thing about it!

    Happy New Year!

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  2. Hi Maggie!
    I love your new couches!
    I hope you have a lovely New Year celebration and a bit of sunshine come January!

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  3. Your sitting room is beautiful!

    Happy New Year!

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  4. This is a lovely post, Maggie. Enjoy your celebration with Mr. Normandy - the smoked salmon souffles sound delicious!
    Wishing you a New Year filled with love and joy, and lots of sunny days.

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  5. Maggie, your new couches are so pretty, and the room looks so inviting. A walk on the beach sounds like a wonderful way to start the new year. Wishing you a wonderful 2014! laurie

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  6. ✦✧✦╗╔╔╗╔╗╔╗╗╔─╔╗╔╗╗╦╔─╗╔╔╗╔╗╔╗║✧✦✧
    ✧✦✧╠╣╠╣╠╝╠╝╚╣─║║╠╝║║║─╚╣╠╝╠╣║─║✦✧✦
    ✦✧✦╝╚╩╩╩─╩─╚╝─╝╚╚╝╚╩╝─╚╝╚╝╩╩╩─═✧✦✧

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  7. Maggie, this is beautifully written. Makes me long to sit by that cozy fire and chat with you. Love the new sofas in the sitting room, and just look at that new stove. '-)
    Cute Santa photo. Your New Year's Eve dinner sounded delicious. Happy 2014 my dear, dear friend across the miles. Hugs and best wishes always…….

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  8. Dearest Maggie-- you've just described the most wonderful day at home-- your new couches are beautiful-- truly it looks so cozy there.

    I'm sending love to you and your Roger-- wishes for a new year filled with every blessing you desire.

    Love
    Vicki

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Thanks for stopping by, your visit just made my day!