I DO sometimes wonder when families would ever all get together if it weren’t for Christmas, Christenings and, of course, the final goodbyes?

Well, now it’s all over and we can all breathe a sigh of relief - and yes, I do so hope I got the presents right.

I have to say that I’m so pleased that our big Christmas meal went off in great style, though that was mainly thanks to my son Andrew who took over the cooking and everything.

Let’s face it, I must be honest, cooking was never my strong point but I suspect you’d already guessed that!

On Boxing Day evening we were over to Clitheroe and to Keith’s, Bill’s son, for another lovely family ‘do’.

But today it’s back to normality which, for me, is great, for I am one of those boring lovers of routine, and ordinariness in my everyday life.

I like to know what I’m going to do, when I am going to do it and, if at all possible, where.

I am aware that it’s a little bit sad, isn’t it?

I’m sat writing this at my kitchen table, which is set right in front of my large picture window, which means I have a great view of what seems miles of fields.

Today they are all a misty green and covered with a lovely dusting of frost, sprinkled over them like icing sugar I can also see a flock of parading sheep, who do not seem any too happy as they wander about desperately in search of those very elusive special patches of juicy green grass. My son has the radio on and a tune that is being played suddenly takes me right back to my young dancing days, up at Tony Billington’s. Isn’t it strange just how much music plays such a big part in our lives?

Of course we are not always aware of it, or just how many of our memories are connected to music, until a certain piece, or a haunting tune suddenly brings flooding back those long ago times, with all of their memories, and with them, some of their magic, and perhaps just a little bit of the heartache.

And now, another New Year is on its way.

Now is our chance to make a new start, a fresh beginning, and no matter how cynical you are, it’s a time to do better, Will I?

Well I certainly will try.

And a Very Happy New Year to one and all.