Oh, my, can you believe this will be the last weekly update of 2021?! This year has truly flown by, I have to say…
So it’s a Christmas recap, now. Are you ready?
- If we were having chai I’d begin by saying our family member who has been in hospital, was discharged on Monday, so we were all relieved. It is not a great place to be, at the best of times, but right now hospitals are the last place you’d want to be, so to have a vulnerable elder there was worrying for us all. Thank goodness. That was a good start to Christmas week!
- If we were having chai I’d tell you that I enjoyed may hot dtrnks, all thanks to that Tassimo machine we got Hubby Dearest. I have been indulging in a Chai Latte daily. I know, it’s a little decadent. but while I can. I should, isn’t that right?
- If we were having chai I’d say that we did brave Bluewater, one evening, because the male contingency were desperate to watch Spiderman, while Lil Princess and I spent a couple of hours wandering around, and trying to locate some last minute crackers. Old BoZo had announced that we were to be allowed to mix for Christmas, and we weren’t planning a party, however we would go to my In-laws, and my sis-in-law went to get the food, but forgot crackers. You’d think, in a place as large as Bluewater, that we would find some, but what a mission! We walked the whole way round the shopping centre, twice, upstairs and downstairs, and only found ones with whistles in, so you could play tunes (LP said ‘No way!’) some with skittle in so you could play a game (again LP ruled them out, along with the ones that played a Piggy Race game!) and there were shed loads of ones that were Fill-Your-Own style, but I didn’t have the time or energy to then find gifts for them. Eventually, at the last place we looked, I found some with little chocolates in them, and Charades prompts. She said yes. (I didn’t mention the Charades game, but she actually enjoyed playing it at the table, even though she had no clue how to! I think the hight from the presents and money she had received meant she was less sulky teen, and more giggle girl for the day!)
- If we were having chai I’d mention that where my reading has been very, very slow, I managed to read approximately a book a day, (actually, Maybe more…) including my first full reading of Charlotte’s Web! (I have had it forever, but never read it as a child, and Jennie is always talking about it, so I had to read!)
- If we were having chai I’d say that Christmas Day came round and we had a blast. I was awake early, but the rest surfaced a lot later. We got ready, and opened presents, before heading off to the In-Laws. Dinner was already on the go, and I stationed myself in the kitchen with my dear Sis-in-law, where we made the final preparations to the meal. Everything was delicious, and we had fun. It was lovely to be together after such a quiet one, last year. I have eaten so naughtily for the last few months, and this last week has been uber full of convenience foods, as well as rich, festive food and puddings. I mush be a healthier eater, soon!
- If we were having chai I’d tell you I feel blessed. The children were happy, Hubby Dearest was happy, and so was I. Did I mention that I got a fantastic present? Hubby Dearest bought me a new Kindle Oasis! I was toying with investing in one, to be honest, as I have never been one to get into audio books, however, this means I can now dabble! Plus it feels so great to hold. So light yet it feels decadent. My first finished book on there was The Art Of Spirit Capture by our own Geoff Le Pard. And it was a fantastic read! I thenk followed int with Mary Smith’s Donkey Boy and other Stories. I am determined to plough though my vast array of TBR books already on the Kindle, before buying more. I know this will be tough, becaue I can’t not by books, but I realise some I have are from years ago, and I have been putting all the ARCs ahead of them. So, I finished my last NetGalley ARC (Ithere will be more next year, but I shall be more discerning about what I request…) and started upon the TBRs. I do love a chance to just immerse myself in books!
- If we were having chai I’d mention that I am now waiting on a contract from said publishers… it could be a very different year for me, next year!
- If we were having chai I’d leave you with the cute pic of Sonu Singh, from his younger years, when he allowed me to dress him up! I have to admit it’s one of my favourite pics!
This week we have a couple of bank holidays, and I am hoping beyond hope that I am able to fit in my visit to Pops and Mum, even if it is only for a night. We then have the New Year to bring in, in our new home, which we are so excited about, too! And, it’ll be 2022 the next time we reconvene to chat about all things that happened the week before… and I’ll still be off school on that Monday, at least!
And while you’re here, did you sign up for my mailing list? I am in the middle of writing an exclusive Chickpea Curry Lit story for my subscribers, and there will be news, tips and even recipes! You know you want to join… go on! Click the pic below to sign up!
But I Smile Anyway... 
Dec 29, 2021 @ 21:14:16
It sounds like a wonderful Christmas.
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Dec 29, 2021 @ 21:15:03
It was, so lovely !
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Jan 02, 2022 @ 21:08:08
Mine was too.
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Dec 28, 2021 @ 08:55:20
Awesome, you had a great time in your first Christmas in your new home, Sister. I know you got to visit Mum and Pops… icing on the holidays. Have a wonderful upcoming New Year’s 🙏🏽💜
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Dec 28, 2021 @ 09:15:15
Thank you, Brother!
Feeling especially blessed, right now xxx
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Dec 28, 2021 @ 09:55:05
You’re very welcome, Sister and that is always awesome to hear 💜💜💜
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Dec 28, 2021 @ 08:07:51
hi Rita – Jennie recommended your blog to me, I’ve been a wp friend of hers for a while now and she told me I’d love your blog and she’s right, best, beth
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Dec 28, 2021 @ 08:38:49
Hello Beth! Lovely to meet you! Jennie is quite amazing, isn’t she?
X
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Dec 28, 2021 @ 10:33:33
she absolutely is –
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 20:00:55
Reblogged this on OPENED HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 19:59:26
Well done, Sis! Sonu is the hit. Lol I never before have seen such a astonished cat. 😉 I am so happy your family member is back from hospital, and you had a wonderful celebration. The bonus definitely was visiting your parents. Lets move on. Only some days to winter solstice. :-)) xx Michael
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 20:08:15
Thanks Bro! I’m with Pops and Mum, now!x
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 15:51:50
Sounds like a great Christmas! When everyone is happy, Mom’s happy!
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 15:59:21
So, so true!!!
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 14:11:59
And, happy you had visits with your family. 💕
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 14:51:01
It’s so lovely to see Pops and Mum, Jennie!
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 14:51:33
I bet it was! 🥰
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 14:10:47
You are reading Charlotte’s Web!! That makes my day. Please tell me what you think. Also, do you like the Oasis? Hubby has eye problems and I was looking at this Kindle.
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 14:52:31
Charlotte’s Web was a beaur8ful story. So many lessons to be learned!
The kindle Oasis is very light to hold, plus you can increase font size considerably. The bonus I haven’t tried, yet, is the audio book function! X
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 16:29:26
I knew you would love the story! 🥰 Thank you for telling me about the Oasis!
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 18:17:39
You’re welcome, and Thank YOU!
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 23:08:09
🥰. ❤️ 😍
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 14:05:57
This sounds like one great week, sis. Beginning with the discharge of the family member from the hospital and what an exciting outlook to the new year already because of the possible contract. Much love, sis 💖
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 14:53:25
Thank you, Sis! And I’ve arrived with Pops and mum, that is my bonus, this week! Xx
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 15:48:17
Yay! What could be better, right 💖
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 13:22:15
Ritu, great news on your family member. Have a great rest of your week and year. Keitg
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 13:24:34
Thank you Keith. A true relief!
I’m at my parents, so definitely a good week! X
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 11:47:25
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year dear Ritu, Love, nia
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 12:00:55
Merry Christmas, Nia xxx
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 11:19:50
Sounds like a wonderful week Sis. I really hope you get to visit Mum and Pops. 💜🤞🤞🤞
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 12:00:44
I’m.here, Sis!
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 12:01:11
Wonderful so pleased for you 💜😌
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 10:27:14
That’s nice ☺
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 11:59:49
Thanks 🙏🏼
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 10:24:33
Such a beautiful Christmas! So happy for you and your lovely family. ❤
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 11:58:32
Thank you, Sis ❤
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 10:06:29
Glad you had such a lovely Christmas. So exciting about the publishing contract and to see what the New Year brings. I have been toying with the idea of getting a Kindle so it’s good to see how you have been enjoying it. Maybe I’ll take the plunge soon.
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 11:59:41
I’ve had 4, now. One I had to replace as it has been overused! The others are more upgrades. I am really liking the Oasis!
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 08:50:03
We have found that a daily latté from our coffee machine is the perfect way to start the day… with a croissant, of course! That feast looks breathtaking, Ritu!
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 11:58:10
It was lovely, Steve! I Hope you had a good Christmas xx
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 12:00:12
We did… very quiet now the kids are grown up – one family in Australia!. But, Covid permitting, we’ll see my other son and his wife in the new year. Here’s to a saner 2022! Best wishes
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 12:01:23
Fingers crossed you get to see them, too!
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 05:54:48
Sounds like a wonderful time. Best of luck on your contract being everything you want.
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Dec 27, 2021 @ 07:14:12
Thank you 💜🙏🏼
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