Tuesday 30 December 2008

With thanks

Oh I've got so many to make that this post may end up sounding rather like an Oscar's speech. But it's true, I'm a very lucky girl who has an awful lot to be thankful for. I shan't get too sentimental or wallowy though, but instead say a few thanks for the efforts of other people for making my Christmas really special.

1. To our little town for turning on the old-fashioned Christmas magic.
(Hopeless photo, so cold my hands were shaking!)
A wonderful tree, crib scene in the market square, living nativity service (complete with camels!), carols with the Salvation Army band on Christmas Eve and for bringing back the traditional competition of dressing the shop windows for all they're worth. More thank yous then for some real beauties that made our Christmas to; the ironmongers,
the gift shops, the retro shop, and the toy shop (oops a bit misty but still very magical!)
2.To Sairer for a lovely, vintage, giveaway surprise on Christmas Day.

3. To the BBC for The Christmas Good Life, The 39 Steps and Starter for 10; three things I've for once had the time to sit and watch and really enjoyed.
4. To everyone who came to the carol service and clapped even when we wobbled a bit!
5. To our lovely, lovely friends who can't possibly understand how thrilled I am with their gift of this gorgeous radio. I've had to tie my fingers in knots to stop myself from buying one and they didn't even know!
6. To the RSPB for looking after the wonderful little wood, up a twisty lane near our home, with hidden paths, fallen logs for clambering on, a shallow stream for splashing and building dams in, for bird boxes for the spring birds to come, but mostly for the peace and quiet and much needed fresh air after all those days inside.
7. And to all the lovely people who blog and are kind enough to leave me a comment. I appreciate every single one and wish I had more time to reply and visit more. Thank you so very, very much, really hope to get round and visit more next year.

Hope everyone had a lovely Christmas, ours was quiet and noisy, calm and chaotic but most of all joyful and lots of fun. I'm looking forward to the year ahead with lots of plans for the garden to mull over while the weather is still so cold. Have a smashing New Year's Eve, see you in 2009!

25 comments:

Leisa said...

We all have so much to be thankful for. I know I just have to stop and be thankful more often.
I have so enjoyed your blog this year and am looking forward to much more of Curlew Country in 2009. A very Happy New Year to you Steph.

Sal said...

I've enjoyed 'meeting' you this year, too.
I wish my town was as nice as that..sadly the planners ruined it years ago.
Your town looks delightful ;-)

Vintagesquirrel said...

Hello There, I am sad that I am only just getting to know you on the very last day of the year, but also very happy to make your acquaintance today. I look forward to following your blog this year and drawing inspiration from you. I wish a happy & healthy 2009 to you and yours!

Willow said...

A lovely post as 2008 draws to a close .. your town looks so pretty and festive. So many bloggers are talking about planning their gardens/veg plots ready for the Spring - can't wait to see all the results in 2009!
Willow xx

gayle said...

Happy New Year Steph. Hope 2009 is lovely. I am beginning to think about my garden too, but also renovations that will take place hopefully in the spring.

jessica daisy said...

What a lovely town you live in!
Love the radio, glad you had a great christmas, and heres to a happy new year for all in the curlew country Household!
Jessx

The Fairy Glade said...

I too covet a radio, but for me the ultimate has to be a CK Roberts one! Would have to sell another kidney though, so maybe not. I'm told that if you wish hard enough for something, them maybe one day...sigh! Happy New Year to you and yours! Dev X

LinenandRoses said...

I can never grow tired of watching the Christmas Good Life! A classic. Thank you for sharing this lovely images of your town. Good to see that there is still some old fashioned Christmas charm around. Have a lovely new years eve and a very happy 2009 to you. Fiona

Anonymous said...

I'm a belgian reader of your lovely blog. I will thank you it . I enjoy when you write about walks into the woods and country , about your live and town ( which seems so pretty)...
Thanks to you, my english is ( a little more) better !
I look forward to read more about the Curlew Country, all along the seasons.
Wish you a nice New Year's Eve and a beautiful and happy 2009 !
Marylène

Anonymous said...

Sorry...I've forgotten : I also watch at the BBC1 for " the 39 steps " with my husband : a great time of pleasure !
Marylène

Pipany said...

A lovely blog which sort of reflects how I feel too Steph. Happy New Year to you and here's hoping it's a good one xx

Anonymous said...

A lovely post Steph, how nice that your little town shops dressed up their windows - maybe more shops should make the effort. Looking forward to spending another year with you and your lovely family. Happy New Year
Lisa x

Anonymous said...

what a lovely post - and a great day to think about all that we have to be thankful for. Looks like your town was magical at Christmas.

Wishing you and yours all the best for 2009

mollycupcakes said...

Merry Christmas and now an even happier new year.
See you in 2009 honey,
Hugs,
Catherine x

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year Steph

alice c said...

Happy New Year Steph - I hope that it brings happiness to you and your family. Thank you for the pleasure that you blog gives - especially (for this chinaholic) those delicious pictures of your dresser.

Garden Girl said...

Happy New Year Steph x

Claire said...

Hi, hope you had a wondeful christmas and new year, what a lovely post, simple things to be so thankful for! Your town looks gorgeous!
Claire xx

Carol said...

A very Happy New Year to you Steph and your lovely little family.
Love and Hugs,
Carol xxx

our shabby cottage said...

Yes, we all need to be thankful in life! Happy New Year to you and your family. I hope 2009 is a good one, Kathryn. XX

saraeden said...

Happy New Year to you and your family !

Sara x

Funkymonkey said...

Happy New Year Steph.

Tracey.

Vintage to Victorian said...

What a lovely post, Steph. Worthy of an Oscar nomination itself!! It's so nice to see your town in all its splendour.

A Happy New Year to you and your family - I look forward to another year of Curlew Country postings!

Sue x

Alchamillamolly said...

You are right we have so much to be thankful for - I felt that this year more than ever. What a lovely town - havent worked out where it is yet? I will go back in the posts to work it out - I seem to remember you said it when you were moving. All the best for you all in 2009

Anonymous said...

Hi Steph, hope everything is okay as you haven't posted in a while - miss you
lisa x