27 th December.

27/12/
11.50 a.m.
Just nicely got up, another good sleep,
Xmas over and done with.
We planned a no frills Xmas and were successful,
My father had draped a few lights across the window but the usual tree and room decorations had remained in the loft.
I myself have nothing festive save for the two cards I received.
My presents and cards are still at my parent’s home and if I feel better I may go and collect them later today.
Baccy baron will have returned from his trip so he should have his usual collection in.

There’s five days left till the New Year so may as well go out a smoker and try again with the New Year.
I have half a litre of Vodka and half bottle of Scotch left, which should last me a few days while I watch as many films as I can fit in.
Place is slowly getting untidy and dishes are piling up but not in the mood today.
Father received confirmation of holiday booking, £110 for a week, bed and evening meal; price is right.
I’m not in a reflective mood so will not dwell on my failure to stop smoking.

This time last year I was still in hospital so I must have made progress in as much as I haven’t returned in the last 12 months.
True I’ve recently rebelled against the medication and will continue to monitor my moods etc. in case anything does go wrong.
New year; I’ll set myself some new goals.
I haven’t been out over the festive period save for the few hours in the pub over the moors,
I suspect most drinkers will have had their usual intake plus a couple more for the festivities.
I’ve been quite content with my tall glasses of scotch and ginger.
Must have cost a bit; the night in the pub, dearest pub in area but still well used by locals and visitors alike;
I wish them all the best for the New Year.

When I was a child living in the village Xmas morning would find all the kids out on the street showing each other their presents, showing off new bikes and whatever else they had received.
This year there was one solitary child riding his bike,
apart from him the streets were deserted. Xmas has indeed changed;
I’m surmising the majority will have received games and computer peripherals.
Weather has been brilliant, mild with only a hint of frost.
Can’t help thinking we will have to pay for the nice weather we’ve had this year; doesn’t bother me either way, rain, snow or shine I’ll be comfy in my flat.
Have had a good break from course work, will have to resume work and try to get this module finished by end of January, could do it now in the next few days but am enjoying some of the viewing on offer.
Television this year has offered a chance to once again see old favourites, been lucky to find some comedy and there have been several films that have kept my attention.

I continue to argue with grammar check, am not in mood to argue for too long.

Today’s weather is fine with broken skies and a watery sun attempting to break through, given the chance to do so.
I worked out that New Year is next Sunday.
I very seldom remember my new years but luckily most have been trouble free;
me slowly getting drunk, either an afternoon session which puts me to bed for the duration or sat up with a bottle watching the New Year in on the television.
I may venture out to neighbours this year but will wait and see what happens.
Am a little annoyed, I seem to have lost both my Zippos;
no doubt they will turn up when I tidy up but it’s a bit of a bugger having to use gas fire for a light.
I’ve done nothing but eat rollies since getting up.
Presents? You ask.
I got enough toiletries to last me six months, a nice sweater and a retro style black zip up jacket, shaving mirror, gel and latest razor.
A nice travelling clock, which promises to be quiet!
I look down at my gut and am convinced I’ve lost a couple of pounds since giving the tablets up; regardless of that being the cause I am going to lose a lot more before my birthday in February.
Lottery checked, only the one number.

When I was 49 I vowed the year ahead would see changes’
I had no idea of the scale these changes would be on,
change I did.
I promised myself that 50 would see me settled into a different life; unfortunately my timing was a little out, released from hospital just prior to my 50 th.

Since my release I’ve just let life and time pass by, my only achievement been normality.
I had a very stressful few months while my money was eventually returned to normal but in hindsight that period of uncertainty gave me the chance to boost my savings.
I’ve taken the last year as a period of re adjustment,
I’ve learnt to live alone and fend for myself with minimum fuss.
I know how long household duties can be safely neglected before the condition of the flat annoys me.
I’ve learnt how to cook, wash and shop.
Small achievements you may think but if you consider I was for some reason afraid to even go out at one time, I’ve come a long way.
I returned home the other day after seeing the neighbour’s flat and was a little jealous at what he’d achieved but I now realise my flat could never lend itself to such a make over;
I may spend some time and try to work out a plan to jazz the place up.
I then realise the flat is solely occupied by me, no one is expected to call so as long as I can live in it then why change?
Sun breaks through, enticing me to venture outside,
I’ll wait till after dinnertime so parents won’t think I simply cadge meals!
I check my mail, nothing important.
News is of similar vein.
My mood today is low, for some reason I’m anxious about going out!
Not serious anxiety just a feeling in the pit of my stomach.
I think I’ll risk a couple of pints at Redcar and maybe a couple nearer homes.
My eyes are tired today, may be the amount of viewing or the amount of sleep.
Father has just phoned to inform me has booked his car in for an m.o.t. Which reminds me I have to put mine through one.
Phoned garage and made an appointment for Friday dinnertime.

My eyesight is really bad, am struggling to focus so think will leave this alone, eyes are taking time to focus on monitor.
Went up to Lingdale, picked presents up and made arrangements for next weekend,
will be stopping over again.
Went down to Redcar but no sign of baron, went over road and got full story;
firstly he’s gone to his sons for Xmas and I heard he got stopped by customs and had his tobacco seized!
He’ll be crying for ages now, we will never hear the last of it;
apparently 300 packs were confiscated.
I had a chat with one of the old drinking partners but my mouth was going too fast so supped up and came home, calling in club first for another pint.
Home; I called on dealer but no answer.
I sat and went through presents but couldn’t find the bacon which they said they’d put in so had toast for tea, that’s all I had all day, should lose some weight if I can keep intake down.
Got place warmed up and sat watching TV till 4. 30 in morning must have been a bit loud because neighbour knocked on wall about 4!
I did turn it down.