Thought I should start my Blog again

It's been a hard couple of months. My father died about two months ago which while it was a shock, it could have been worse. The consultant did say that they might be able to bring Dad back if he had another heart attack, but it wouldn't be in any state that could be called living; and for an active man like my father I cannot think of anything worse than being hooked up to i.v.'s and ventilators and the medical staff deciding to withhold fluids (as they did for my Grandmother) and then speaking stupid platitudes like 'He's not in any pain.' To which my somewhat sarcastic response would have been: "Really? And what's your measurement gauge? Pray tell me." So, while his death was a dreadful shock, it was quick and relatively painless. Hence the reason I'm not feeling terribly Christmassy.

Of course Edwin and I generally don't decorate, the reasons being that the cat goes nuts when she sees dangling baubles and flashing lights. I might put up some cards - I don't think I'm sending any this year, and I suppose at least I have a reason not to do so.

We have finally got a halogen heater to replace the gas fire that was taken out some months ago. We didn't have a choice with the gas fire, the whole mechanism was obsolete and when it broke down, we had to wait two days for a replacement part, so it really was in the Council's best interests to remove it. They did a refit on the radiators, but while the radiators in the bathroom and bedroom are fantastic and we get hot water on tap, the lounge is not so good. It never seems to warm up and having to wrap oneself in blankets to get warm is not my idea of a good heating system. Still the cat seems to like this new fire. She certainly stretches out in front of it.