To say that this year has been a rollercoaster is probably an understatement.  I started thinking about my ambition for 2023 about this time last year.  And no surprises I wrote that I wanted to be in good shape to dance on the table for my 2024 birthday.  Well on the way to satisfying that ambition, I’ve conquered the joys of leaving processed foods behind in the supermarket.  I’ve swapped missed breakfasts and weekend “fry ups” for luscious fruits and berries or poached eggs and rocket.  And, perhaps more importantly, I’ve ditched the wine in favour of tap water (oh so much cheaper).

It's not been an easy year although it’s been a productive one.  Work (for me) has been interesting (another understatement most likely).  My current assignment completes before the Christmas break, so I have lots of time to reflect on the highs (and the lows) of local government resourcing.  And even more time to be festive as well as organised.  I know that making marmalade often divides the room although this year our ever-popular orange variety could find it’s way under the tree.  And just for the record, I haven’t even tried the January 2023 batch we made earlier this year.  Well, why would I?  So much sugar!

Our turn to entertain the family this year and who’d have thought I’d have the pleasure to order this year’s turkey from the same farm as Dame Vera Lynn and Holly Willoughby’s Gran?  I’ve written about the Oaks Poultry Farm before.  Back in April, I was taken by the welcome I received.  Let’s face it, at that time I wasn’t a “regular” and I wasn’t known as a “local” from the village of Ditchling.  I love the stories and fabric of the place and I love that it does what it says on the tin so perfectly.  All under the watchful eye of Audrey (she and her husband started the farm in the late 60s).  More recently Audrey is supported by her sons and their families who clearly enjoy their customers, as much as the farm.  I’m hooked.

The farm shop doesn’t try to be a shiny High Street supermarket (we all know farm shops like that), the potatoes come with their fair share of mud and the sausages take on all the personality of Jim, the butcher who makes them.  The local to Sussex vegetables absolutely rock, the pointy cabbage squeaks, and the carrots are resplendent in their frothy green hats.  To someone like me, whose Gran loved a good farm shop or market stall and whose Grandad thought nothing of a bumpy drive down a farm track in search of fresh eggs or bacon and good chat, Oaks Farm is “up there” with the best.

There’s a Robin foraging in the garden this dry yet chilly Saturday as I sit writing this.  Wearing such vibrant red waistcoats, and eager for their next tasty snacks, Robins always make me smile.  Not least because they always remind me of my dad, Herbie.  It’s thanks to him I enjoy gardening so much.  He was a natural and loved his allotment.  Prize chrysanthemums, massive, sweet onions and a magic touch with hanging baskets.  He was the best.

And a day before her 90th birthday in July, Mum toddled off to join him.  A very sad day although after Covid her life became a little muddled.  Put simply, she was tired and confused.  I’m fortunate to have inherited her creativity and ability to chat, although our conversations are now in my head.  Miss you, Mum.

Our garden is looking a little forlorn this morning because we thought we were moving.  That was until our buyers lost their buyers.  A sorry tale – yet to be continued.  Right now, we’re 50:50 on staying or moving, although I suspect I was looking forward to creating another new garden a little more than Mr. Watt.  Eager to be organised for a pre-Christmas move, I launched yet another downsizing exercise.  And this wasn’t just about clothes.  The new house was to be much smaller, so time for that critical evaluation of popular yet tired looking belongings.  The ones that lurk in the shadows of cupboards and drawers.  So much recycling and even a few surprises, not least those old golf socks, but please don’t tell.

Yes, it’s been a good year and there’s another month to go.  More sprouts to eat and even more avocados!  But now it’s time to turn my attention to new ambitions for next year.  In my head, I’m up for completing what I’ve begun.  That includes my table dancing ambition, finally publishing my guide to being the best candidate (every single time) not to mention getting round to putting the arms on Luna Lapin (a little felt rabbit I’d begun to hand sew before starting this current work assignment almost two years ago).  And who knows, we may still move house.

So, what’s new for 2024?  That needs a little more thought although I’ll be sure to update you as time goes on.  And there’s definitely something exciting happening to the website.  Meantime, why not tell me about you’re year and what you’ve got planned - what are your ambitions? Let’s talk.