A new year, a new decade and a time to reflect, for me anyway. Looking back on 2009 fills me with sadness. I find it hard to believe that this world has been without my mum for almost 10 months! I still can’t believe that she’s not going to walk through the door or be at the end of the phone when it rings. Very sadly, I now contemplate that if mum was still here I would still be in my home town. It’s all thanks to her that we are here now, in a place that we adore. Oh but what I would give to have her back 
I now have much more time for reflection. If I was still working, I’d have gone back to work yesterday. It was then that it really struck home what I’ve actually done! Having worked for more than 20 years it’s quite strange being unemployed. I feel guilty at getting up late. I still think that I only have a limited amount of time to get jobs done. Years and years of having a time limit dictated by the school term! I’m getting my need for children’s company satisfied by all the babysitting we’re doing. Robyn is of the age that I love most….just coming up to 3. Such fun, such curiosity and like a little sponge lapping up everything going on around her. I love how she’s trying to assert her independence all the time, challenging me to come up with different strategies which make her think she’s still in control. I love how keen she is to learn new things and how easily she does!
Lastly a couple of photos to give you an idea of how it looks around here, more later. Bear in mind that for the last 40+ years, I’ve lived in the Fens, renowned for it’s flatness….even a mole hill looked out of place! Now, I can look out of my window and see this…….bliss!
down our lane
Hi Nikki !
It’s so nice reading you again.
Thank you so much for your visit tonight
It makes me sad to think that 2009 was such a horrible year for you. For sure a year you would have wanted to avoid. Like Sadie said, making such a change in your life will do you very good, I think. Don’t ever feel guilty for staying up late. Live the life you’ve chosen, enjoy every second of it, and feel very happy about it !
About the school … even last year, U was going full day at school. Now he is in the last class of the equivalent (I think) of kindergarten. (I’m not even sure of what it is in the UK !) He’s 5 years & almost a half. P is now 7 & a half, and is in the 2nd year of (what I think to be the equivalent of) elementary school. So they are in two different schools, which proved to be a little bit tricky (but we’re doing good) for taking them / grabbing them, as they leave at the same time or so. Next year they should be in the same school, so only hubby OR I will take them to / grab them from school.
OK, I’ve written a novel, sorry
Have a lovely evening, dear Nikki. It’s nice to get it touch again xoxoxo hugs
No one should have gone through what you did last year, but to end the year the way you did is all power to you.
Love the views you have now..and wishing you all the best for the coming year.. bet the dogs are loving your new home
Luv n hugs Pixie xxx
Ciao Nikki! So glad you are blogging again!
Thanks for the visit! I am on my way to bed, but will pop by tomorrow. Hugs! 
Hello Nikki, it’s so great to read you. 2009 has been such a sad year for you. I hope 2010 is going to be a very happy year for you.
I love your view, it’s so pretty. I guess it’s very cold in your area too. Did you get some snow?
You’re in my thoughts, hugs
Back, even if in a hurry. I am glad you are blogging again.
Sorry that last year has been a sad one for you, hope that the new year will be a fab one for you and Dave! 
Big hugs & sweet dreams!
Can’t wait to hear more about your “new” life.
Just leaving a pawprint! Happy weekend!
Im sorry to hear of your loss of your mum and it must be a hard thing to cope with.
I really hope your 2010 is a good year
*hugs*
Ciao Nikki, how are you and Dave?
Happy Spring to you both! *hugs*
Oh, Nikki! I’ve missed you and think of you often. It all sounds so wonderful. You are so brave to cut strings to the past and move on. I wish to do the same, perhaps in the fall. I hope you and yours are all well. I still have no web presence at all. Everyone I know is urging me to join Facebook. Perhaps that would be a compromise. I do miss blogging, visiting you. Love, Julia