Much has happened in 2014 - here is a snapshot of some of the more memorable events.
Jane and I have settled nicely into our new home - not so new as we have now been here more than 18 months. The log burning stove is in, woodpiles ready, the new patio done, two internal walls demolished and currently awaiting new kitchen in a few weeks. I am looking forward to sampling the end products of Jane testing out the new ovens. It's a nice area with lots of open spaces and we have some great neighbours.
Luke has finished 2 years of Uni and was fortunate enough to land an industrial experience position for his 3rd year at a software company in York. So he has been at home since June and cycles off every morning with his carefully made and generous 'pack-up'. We bought him a road bike when he turned 21 in July and he has been away on long bike rides after work with colleagues.
The tour-de-france came to Yorkshire this year and the county went crazy over it. Yellow bikes and bunting cropped up everywhere. Large crowds turned up to cheer the riders on - a never to be forgotten experience.
Since coming back from her South American tour Emily has thrown herself into life in York. She has her own place about a couple of miles from us and is stamping her own mark on it. She ran York Oxjam in 2014 (a music based fund-raising event for Oxfam) and raised much needed funds for them.
Joseph turned 30 this year. He came to York and we had a joint
celebration for him and Jane's mum who turned 90 around the same time.
After a tea party for 'Gran Mary' we drove across the North Yorkshire
Moors and spent a night at a delightful apartment in Whitby.
Jane gave up working for the council this year and we put in motion our plan for running a self-catering holiday home in York. The last three months have been very busy for both of us in decortaing and furnishing the cottage. Jane has done a fantastic job and Mayfield Cottage is now available for breaks in Yorkshire.
I have been making full use of my 'free days' and have launched into helping authors publish and market their books. Working with a family friend (Thiru Arumugam), we successfully re-published 'Hundred Hindu Temples of Sri Lanka' which was written by his father, Sanmugam Arumugam.
Every Christmas, Jane and I look forward to letters from family and friends and one in particular is always thought provoking and challenging - from a lady of some 94 years who still rides her bike around York. Her letter deals with the growing gap between rich and poor and finishes with:
'So this Christmas season let's take time to pause to reflect to discover how we can help in the progress we long to see towards understanding, honesty, fairness, peace and justice!'.
On that note wishing you all a peaceful 2015.
Jane and Seggy
