bigfoodiemama

2015...what a year. In this, my 45th year on the planet, I played many roles. As well as my usual roles of mother, wife, daughter and blogger I was also a victim, a patient, a runner, a model and a judge. This year saw me at my most stressed ever, my sickest ever ( yes, of course they are connected), my fittest ever and my most philosophical. What did I learn ? I learned that I am not indestructible, I care a bit too much about what others think of me , that your real friends come to the fore in a crisis, that your family are all it comes down to when the s**t hits the fan, that your health is priceless and that I am very lucky. I am rich beyond money, wealthy beyond precious jewels and that I should be grateful on so many fronts. This year we started a little ritual at our kitchen table, at dinner each evening of each , in turn, saying what we are grateful for. It is a little but important part of our day now and even on the hardest days, it is great to find something positive to end

The adorable Jackhammer Jones phoned some weeks ago, to ask if GASP and I would attend his 50th birthday. I was honoured and privileged that he phoned ( I thought someone had died!) and immediately said yes, dizzy with the excitement of meeting up with my other family, in my other home of Oswestry, in Shropshire. That evening I mentioned it to GASP, who said he'd like to come along ! Those of you who know GASP, know that this was a monumental development as he is happiest at home, stroking his bullocks, reading the Journal. I was thrilled, as the mere thought of 36 hours in my husbands company had me excited...not bad in our 13th year of marriage ! Now, those who might be more sceptical, might suggest his enthusiasm to come with me, might have more to do with the fact that Jackhammer Jones is a handsome, single 50 year old...ya see where I'm goin' ??? Rumour had always been rife that Jackhammer and I had some romantic connection...(actually completely untrue ! ) but worth