Am I going soft or what?

Hello everyone, it's been a while since I posted a blog. I feel a bit superfluous, in a way, that I feel so well and lots of other people are going through such a tough time. But then again maybe it'll inspire optimism that it doesn't always have to be grotty!

Anyway - this is what I was wondering. When I first joined this site, I'm sure there was a section to do with foody stuff: recipes and good nutrition etc. Can I find it? Can I buggery! So was I imagining things or am I just too thick to find the right bit?

I was also wondering if there was a section about helpful books to read.

So what can I say that's useful? Well, have I twined on yet about the benefits of exercise? I know you don't always feel up to it or in the mood, and for some it might not be possible - but I joined a local walking group in the summer and it's been brilliant. It's organised by our local council, who run sessions to train walk leaders. I went along with my partner and it was a good day with a nice lunch, a bit of a walk and lots of tips about leading a walk that would never occur to me. Our scheme is called 'Get Fit On Foot' (Ellesmere Port and Neston') and I'm sure other councils must run somthing similar. We walk for an hour (or a little more) each Friday. Those who don't want to do the whole walk generally slope off for a coffee while the hearty types do the full monty. It doesn't feel at all like hard work as there's plenty of gabbing going on and you don't notice the distance covered! Meeting regularly each week is a good incentive to get going - even tho there are some Friday mornings when I'd much rather go back to bed! Aside from the obvious benefits, walking also helps to alleviate depression.

End of lecture. Rant to follow.

Anybody else out there who's sick unto death with all the pre-Christmas hoo-hah? It's only a day, for heaven's sake. It's only a dinner and a few pressies with friends and family. Why is everybody getting so het up?

They have the right idea in Spain. We used to go for Chrismas and New Year, when my old dad was able to travel (he's gone off the boil now) and it was great. Everybody goes to church on Christmas Eve. Christmas Day, whole families go out for lunch (which is not overpriced, just normal prices) and that's about it, really. Not too much fuss, just families enjoying a day off and each other's company. What's wrong with that?

And as for all this house cleaning lark, give everybody a stiff drink and they won't see the cobwebs and the dust!

Bah humbug from Shelagh