Raven's View

Surprise, surprise, the world did not end this morning. It was scheduled for UTC 11:11, but delayed due to technical difficulties. I was up then (6:11 local time), to see what CBC would say about it - nothing much, although their signal did drop for a few seconds at 6:11. Spooky. Turned out was related to the terrible weather out there, the feed had more drop outs over the morning. This was a Winter Solstice thing too, related to Earth's orbit around the sun, so would have happened for everyone at the same time.

But, of course, it didn't. Today, in spite of a vicous winter storm, marks the start of our slow climb back to longer days, celebrated in ye olden days as the start of a new year. A good opportunity to look at the past year and re-focus. As such, I've some new beginnings to think about.

Here we are again, at the end of another Round of Words. I'll be finishing with more of a whimper than a bang, as my back is stilll bothering me. Much better than three days ago, so I am hoping will be able to put on my ham dinner tomorrow for kids and grand kids. It's our Christmas gift exchange too. Maybe we'll just have takeout- will depend on if I bound out of bed tomorrow or not. This happens every year or so, as a reminder to not quit doing regular exercises. 

Moving along here, to my Row80 status - this one went well. Rather than a long to-do list I tried to focus on three areas: writing, publishing, and everything else! 

As often happens, a day late but backdated. 

Sunday was to be an early Christmas, as my daughter and her husband were going away over Christmas. I had presents bought, stocking stuffers ready, tree done, other decorations arranged- just tidying up when I bent over to pick up an empty box and - ouch! 

Pulled a back muscle, which sent it's friends into a panicked spasm. So, there I was, flat on the floor, calling everyone to cancel. Luckily I hadn't started the ham or scalloped potatoes. Popped some pills, then headed for bed. Stayed there, except for a couple of hobbled over trips to the can, until morning. Then I discovered was out of back pills - necessary to convince the muscles to relax and heal. And I was now crawling, not hobbling. 

Son-in-law to the rescue- he brought pills, a hit coffee, soups, fruit - yay!

I thought I'd add a recipe I've used often for this - including last night. 

Most people don’t even notice the mock meat.