Our Christmas dinner with a diddling difference

2020 will be the first year ever – ever! – that we haven't had our Christmas meal. Getting together is so important and I know that in the past we've enjoyed catching up in November before we celebrate Christmas.

A short while ago I emailed the usual suspects and asked what three positive things had happened to them this year. 

Here are mine:

The pleasure of early morning walks and bumping into Sarah more often than not. Realising how much I enjoy my little garden, planting flowers and seeing most of them survive despite my care. Finding I can cut my hair myself and not look (too) odd. 

I know that if we thought long enough there would be many more things we have to feel positive about but three things is enough for now. With apologies for the strange layout – I copied the emails into Word and then into Blogger. 

Chris was the first to reply: Starting to run again, especially running around the fields by the river. Visiting Sheila and having a good laugh as we look through all the old Doddler/Diddler photos, newspaper reports and newsletters. Spending time with Mum and helping her with another jigsaw puzzle. The first coming from Helen. Thanks, Helen, you are helping my mum keep sane, and me too!

Dianne: Seeing how the village has pulled together to help the vulnerable. Meeting a lady in the village who has a cupboard full of Wentworth puzzles. They are amazing. Having time to read piles of books.

Karine: Has to be my lovely 13-week-old pup, Archie. We have had four weeks of fun. Seeing my parents happy and enjoying their lovely home. Experiencing most people making more effort to be polite and greeting when passing by in our lovely town.

Frances (I've just bought some new trail shoes so hope to be seen shuffling round Piddles Wood soon): My allotment. Walking the dog in woods and by the river. Playing music with friends (limit five people) for FUN. After a lifetime career as a Pro was so suddenly cut short in March I was in a state of grieving but when we could meet five other people outside I started playing recorders in the garden, something I hadn't done since school days.

Doreen: Having Sienna several days a week and getting to know her well. Now 19 months and we are having fun. My garden has had extra work done that I had been delaying. With Stuart’s help the retaining bank has new woodwork, looking good and I have painted and planted more tubs. Lots of extra veg this year. Lola and I have walked lots of local footpaths we had not been along before. Been meaning to for years but now enjoyed new views, taking coffee and snacks for our stops along the way. A few more to go yet.

Amanda (from a surreal few months my personal positives): An absolutely gorgeous new baby (girl). Planning, planting and growing a wide range of vegetables. Learning much more about fermented foods and using my home grown veg to experiment with. The new year is not so far way and who knows what 2021 has in store for us. Happy Christmas, everyone.  Stay safe, stay well.

Sheila (I have just come back from a family visit): Having a laugh with a group of crazy friends. Passing the pudding menu back and forth (crazy Jenkins). Looking smart and dignified for about 30 minutes. Best crowd for fun and laughter(sizzled). Will miss the fun and this year. Next year hope for more fun. I have just come back from a family visit.

Pauline: Taking my Hollie for walks round Kingston Lacy. By the way, Hollie is my dog 🤣 Having one  of my children in England. He has been so helpful  My big sister, we have had more time to talk 🥰 Hope you all have a good December.

From Viv: Having fun picking damsons and sloes to make Damson/Sloe Gin for Xmas, Hic Hic. Having a go at making various preserves and Jams like mother used to make. Rekindling the art of running!! er plodding discovering various paths and trails in and around the village. Dusting off the cobwebs from my fold-up bike, and treating myself to a padded seat, for a more comfortable ride, along the trail way.

Keep safe one and all, and hope you can have a Happy Xmas.

From Sarah: So no pressure from Helen having been named and shamed here are my positives. Like lots of people I too have enjoyed walking around Sturminster and the surrounding countryside with my dog Maisy. Boy have we got some fit hound dogs now! The photo opportunities have been amazing through the seasons. I have bored friends and family on Facebook with all my images.Having the time to research my family tree even more. Hundreds of relatives going back to 1700 for some. Why oh why did they have soooo many children. Lol. Enjoying the slower pace of life. No where to go so quality time at home with family. Luckily my mum lives in Sturminster and is in my bubble.

From Marian: I think the feeling of freedom when out walking, so good for mind and body. The kindness and care of friends and neighbours very genuine. Knowing how lucky I am to live here in Dorset. Hope this will reach you all, take care.