While Christmas this year was very immediate family centred I managed to see a great number of friends and family I have sadly ( for good reasons) neglected over the last months and it was a joy to catch up and reconnect - sharing stories of the last year and plans for the new year to come. I know January the 1st is only a date but I like the fact that it sort of gives permission to draw a line under the past and encourages a new beginning - fresh start and ideas... our last year has reminded us how important wonderful friends and family are and how the support between them and us can never be underestimated. So I gave myself a kick up the bottom and made a real effort to catch up with people I have missed in my life, I made a seriously long over due visit to my brother and his family and had a lovely day with another scrummy christmas dinner - I called into see my niece and her family - normally they come and see us so it was nice to go there instead - I hasten to add I am alwa...