the shetland experience 2008

Those who followed the blog from early on will remember my mother-in-law was in hospital during the first week of my sabbatical.  Just to let you know she was released from hospital today.  Yippee!

Happy New Year!

I'm having a quiet day inside, having only been out to walk the dog this morning.  It feels really cold out so will not be venturing far today.  So I've lit the fire and am sat down watching the Proms from the Royal ALbert Hall London as it features the music from Dr Who!

I do need to do some preparatory work for tomorrow when I reusme my duties as Vicar of Winscombe.  The time from 10th November seems to gave flown by although I think that is a more recent feeling as tomorrow gets closer. 

I have had the most wonderful time, thinking about my future (as my spiritual director said I should).  And God has said to me: 'Be patient'.  I have also been thinking about one or two new ideas for the parish and those will roll out over the coming months I hope.

Lastly I have much to be thankful for in that the parish has supported me both financially and prayerfully and has allowed me to go.  Of course things still need to be done, and I have much to be thankful for in Julie our curate who has borne most of the load, the churchwardens Beth and Hugh who do so much to support, and the retired clergy who as always are so willing to be available, especially as one of them, Derek, died on Advent Sunday - and I could not think of a more fitting day to die as his journey continued in a new place.

So I plan this to be my last entry in the Blog - although never say 'never.'  I shall probably take down the site after a few months, and who knows what may take its place!

Thank you for reading it.  I look forward to sharing more of the story over the coming months through church and community. 

With every blessing,

Mike

My last Blog of 2008, and almost the last one on this site.

A little fling by myself to the shops today.  Nothing exciting, a couple of pairs of new shoes a new pair of walking boots (a hint of a resolution there somewhere perhaps!) and a nice jacket heavily reduced in the sales.  I visited a little store that deals with extra large (high+/-wide) fittings in Street, Somerset (details from me of you think you need info on such a place).  The journey back through the beauty of a heavily frosted countryside was beautiful and as temperatures have not risen above 0degC here today it should be like it tomorrow too.  Note to self: Take the camera with you next time Mike!

The latest on Gwen my mother-in-law is that she is now doing really well at Insch cottage hospital and we all hope she will be able to be released home soon in the New Year.

Well with that good news we all no doubt reflect back over 2008 and consider what sort of year it has been for us.  For those affected by the financial crisis then it has no doubt been pretty dire.  Ours hasn't been the best year it has to be said, but we are ever hopeful of a better and happier year to come.  This comes not from any inner strength, other than that given to us by God's grace and mercy.  We have so much to be thankful for and I hope you have too.

With love and blessings for a peaceful and hopeful 2009. ;)

Had a day of visiting some shops in Weston-super-Mare this morning (choosing a birthday present - nice!) and this afternoon removing our old dishwasher from the kitchen and putting our freezer in its place.  Very grimy behind it - uck.  When the dishwashed went wrong during the sumner we decided not to replace it as it was costing so much in electricity and was not a very eco-friendly appliance to have.  So I have been doing the washing up again ever since.  Gves me some extra thinking time which I like.

Do see the guestbook entry from a lovely Dutch couple who visited our parish just before Christmas.

Thank you for signing my guestbook.  I am so glad you enjoyed your stay in Barton - it is a lovely place, and that you were made to feel so welcome when you came to church.  Do tell other people about us and encourage them to come and visit.  We would like to welcome them too!

I go back to work on Friday after my long break.  Are you on Facebook?  We could keep in touch that way if you like.  In the meantime, Tot Zeens (I hope that is the correct spelling!)

Mike ;)

The year is drawing to an end and there is nothing but doom and gloom in the press and media.  Thankfully I bleieve in God who gives me hope for the future for me and all mankind.  For many in the UK it must seem so hopeless, trusting in money as many do.  I fear their faith in money will not help them much.

Went into Weston-s-Mare today and it was odd to see Woolies completely empty with remaining stock being loaded into a lorry at the back of the store.  The sales assistants left were in happy and lively mood with passing police officers, hardly the tears and wailing reported on the television!

Took Matt's bike on the trailer to the motorbike dealers, front brakes locked.

Just beginning to touch base with Julie re meeting on Friday.  Back to work looms.  Argh!!!!!!!!!!!

Very cold day but beautifully sunny here in Somerset today, clear with a blue sky.  Decided to walk into the village as we needed some milk and I fancied buying Private Eye.  I kept saying to Fiona, 'This is what the weather was like in Shetland.' 

Met a few people as I loitered outside the Co-op.  One person enquired about what the weather had been like in Shetland and I said: 'Just like this.'  Mind you it was a bit windier and colder, although just as clear and just as good to be out in.

Post delivered today for the first time after the Christmas break.  Didn't receive any late Christmas cards though.

Had a great walk with Fiona and Murphy in beautiful clear sun this morning, and freezing cold wind.  'This is just like Shetland' says I.

Been invited to a family get together this afternonon, all within walking distance.  Hope you are still enjoying CHristmas and not too swept up in shopping and 'sales'.

Having a wonderful day with my family.  I hope you are having a lovely Christmas  too, wherever you are.

Visited two sets of friends in Wells and Glastonbury today delivering presents and catching up with news.  Shops in Street high street seemed busier today.  Last minute shopping I suspect.  Also I see on local news that Cribs Causeway shopping centre was completely grid choked for some hours this afternoon.

Gwen has now been moved to Insch hospital and has settled in well.  Day clothes are now required as they prepare her to go home.  Great news!

Received the Posada figures (knitted Nativity figures) into our home this afternoon as they make their journey around the houses in the village, giving us the opportunity of thinking of the journey Joesph and Mary took from Nazareth to Bethlehem 2000 years ago.

Last minute present wrapping this evening.

Weather forecasters not prmising any snow anywhere in UK.  Grey, breezy, cool, dry on CHristmas Day.