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Tuesday 8 January 2013

January Blues and Changes ....


It's me again little bloggies, writing to you from deepest, darkest Devon!
 
As I write this little missive, it's 1 p.m. and I have all the lamps lit in the house.  We really have had some dreary days recently, and I do feel that I need some brightness to lift my spirits!  The forecast is for it to get colder during the end of the week - Allelujah! For this usually means the return of dryer and brighter days.   I'm desperate to get out for one of my walks again.
 
Every Tuesday (apart from when I've been away on holiday) for the past four and a half years, I have spent with daughter number 2.  First of all, just with Eli and then, eighteen months later, little Ruby joined us.
 
Last September, Eli started big school, so it has just been my daughter, Ruby and myself.  On top of that, I used to look after Ruby on a Friday, so that my daughter could have some 'me' time.  However, that has now all changed.  Ruby was three recently, so she started pre-school yesterday.  Just for either a morning or afternoon session, but on a Tuesday she will be there from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.  Six hours!  I expect it will seem like a long day for her, and I am waiting to see how she got on.
 
 Whenever I see new mums with their babies, I always tell them to make the most of the precious time, because they really do grow away far too quickly.  So! There are changes afoot.  Perhaps I will see if there is a water colour class going on somewhere locally, as I have always wanted to do that.  Or an Italian class - that would be fun.
 
What I must make sure doesn't happen is that I spend even more time on my laptop.  I must try to make constructive use of the time that I didn't have available before.
 
Anyway, how are YOU all keeping my friends?  I hope that you haven't succumbed to the January blues, and that you are managing to keep cheerful.
 
Bye for now, and I'll see you again soon.
 
Hugs from thisisme.
 
 
 
 

24 comments:

Shelly said...

Our weather here is mirroring yours there today: cold, damp, and very dark.

Oh, little Ruby is certainly growing up! I'm sure she is excited, but it always does a number on the heartstrings when our little ones move on up to the next step. I'm feeling a little of that with my oldest daughter's wedding after Christmas. I catch myself wondering where is that little baby I used to hold?

At any rate, I think your plans sound wonderful. And you are wise not to get caught up in the computer too much.

Hugs to you, my friend-

Shady Del Knight said...

Hallo, dear Thisisme! So sorry to know you've got the January blues, dear friend. It happens to all of us. In Florida it happens when we're trapped indoors during all the unbearably hot summer months. I hope your weather soon begins to cooperate because dreary days always bring us down. I know you miss the old days and do not look forward to changes within the family but it is inevitable. As you reminded us we must all make the most of every minute. At least you still have Ruby Tuesdays. If you find time heavy on your hands you can always write to dear old Shady because I love to hear from you. Have a fine day, dear friend, and we will chat again soon!

Cindy Ellison said...

Hi Diane, I hope you can banish those January blues, I have a little of them, too. It is good to not get caught up too much on the computer, I am trying to do the same. BTW, blogger is not letting me post photos from my computer. I said yesterday I was going to check Facebook only twice a day, I mostly want to keep up with family on there. A class would be a wonderful thing for you, A watercolor class would be great and you could show and tell us all about it ... oops, there goes more time on the computer. :-) There is a bittersweet sadness when our children and grandchildren seem to grow up too fast and seem to need us less. My grandson called me the other day for the first time and it blew me away to hear his voice and know he made the call by himself. (I still want to think of him as still a baby)

Take care and hope your skies turn sunny.

Cindy ♥

Unknown said...

Hmm, guess if I am honest I have a bit, well some days more than a bit. Change is always difficult for me and there have been quite a few. I do echo what you say to young mothers, I am always saying it also, time passes so quickly. My grandsons who live with me, are outgrowing me fast, Nan is just not so much fun these days, Grand dad just about survives at the moment, being more into silly things than me and male pursuits.

I need to be organised and spend my time wisely, always so much easier to do in the summertime, when days are longer and brighter.

Well spring is on the way, so lets console each other with that thought :)


Denise said...

Since I've always imagined Myself in the romantic "deep dark Devon",in My dreams it sounds just perfect.That imagery though I know most likely is not real and only comes from some of My favorite novels.How I would love to visit still.I have been doing a lot of babysitting My younger Grandbabies. As I watch them grow it's so fulling for them to feel close to Me but I too feel slightly sad as they leave babyhood behind.One of the big benefits of seeing them so often, that I know We share is the love they give us. Isn't it just the best of life.Hope the warmth comes out soon so you can get some fresh air.-Denise

Claudia Moser said...

January blues seems to avoid me and I am rather happy at the moment, sending you some smiles from snowy Tallinn!

Rebecca said...

yes time does flies Little man was just born it seems and now we are already planning his 13th birthday. time doesn't seem to stay around these days

Manzanita said...

Yes, some classes might cheer you. I was going to say join an exercise class like I do but geez ..... after seeing your photo of you with your grandkids..YOU DON'T NEED THAT. But jumping around gets the endorphins going and chases away the blues. In fact I'm about to do a little jumping around right now. Smile and cheers

Eat To Live said...

We are on Vacation and are further South than normal so our weather is a little warmer. I hate the cold and snow so happy to have anything warmer than normal.

Hope your weather changes for the better soon.

Olive said...

Grey and rainy here too. Plus I went to a funeral today in my hometown and saw a lot of ghosts from my past life. I am kind of blue but promise to snap out of it. I have been making an effort to spend less time on the laptop too. Not taking any classes but just putting it away.

Anne in Oxfordshire said...

You certainly have a change coming up, yes time is precious. you have had lots of fun times with you little ones, but now they are starting to grow themselves, which is good as then when you do spend time with them , it will not only be good but different, I love spending time with my eldest grandchildren (well all of them ) but especially the two boys. they ask so many different questions, and as you know, Aidan showed me around his home town ,, now he was a brilliant little tour guide and Thomas has come out of his shell -) but they are all their own personalities.. You know when you spend time with your eldest grandaughter, what I am trying to say :-)

So long as you do a class , water colours , italian .. you will be fine. I am going to do more French and a Calligraphy lesson ( did it once before) didn't do to well but going to try again. Take care xx

Belle said...

A water colour class is a great idea! It is good to create and do artistic things. Yes, times change. I used to look after all my grandchildren while their moms worked. Those days are over now and I have lots of time to do what I want to do. I've had to find new things to interest me.

Imagine little Ruby going off to pre-school. She is such a little angel. I hope she loves it.

I usually start to get spring fever in January! I want to go somewhere and see something new. Haven't felt it yet - but it's coming. I'm glad to hear the sun is coming to your neck of the woods.

Lyndylou said...

I always get a bit of the January blues I'm afraid. It sucks but it usually passes by the middle of February. It is hard when the wee ones start to grow up a bit but just think of all the new adventures you will be able to share with her and your daughter. (((hugs)))

Chatty Crone said...

Oh my goodness were having a bit of dark clouds and rain over year in Georgia too. I like the sunny days much better. Oh my goodness Ruby is growing up and I do understand. My little Andy is going to be 12 - he doesn't need grandma too much anymore. You have to spend the time with them when you have them. Love Sandie

Jo-Anne's Ramblings said...

No January blues here not cold or wet or dreary either stinking bloody hot instead.........

Now I have Little Leo starting school at the end of the month and my baby Sydney-May will be 3yrs old in only a couple of weeks time then before we know it we will have another granddaughter........

Unknown said...

Hugs back to you, Diane. The sun sets early around here, making for shorter days, but according to the calendar, the days are really getting longer. This too will pass, and we will have the sun again before long. If you are still in the dark, I am sending some Florida sunshine your way, even though it has been raining here for the past four days. It's warm at least. Happy New Year.
Rosemay

Sally Wessely said...

Oh Diane, this makes me sad to read about your blues and the fog and cold. I can't imagine having January blues like that. When we lived in Utah, we had such dreary, cold, bad air quality winters that I would get so depressed. My two oldest children live there now and they are really dealing with breathing issues due to the air quality, smog, and cold weather. I just hate to see you all that have those conditions suffer so.

I am glad you have that time with your daughter and the children. You are so fortunate there.

We are starting up a Pilates class. I am also working on a presentation for a professional organization. Then, next week, the best excitement for me is that I will start a photography class. Hubby is actually going to take the class with me. I am really looking forward to it.

Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan blogger said...

Hi Diane,

Our January 'blues' are rather hot hues of blue, the rainy season appears to have ended. Hope I've not spoken too soon!
Duncan In Kuantan

Unknown said...

One day, when it's January and darkest Devon, I might fly in to cheer you. All things are possible. I also have a serious mood change when things are dreary and the light is weak. It would almost be better if it were pitch black night with glowing candle light or strings of Christmas lights. I kept up one strand in the house and turn them on every night before dinner. Wow, Ruby Violet will have long days at school. I bet that leaves you a little bit bereft. I know that feeling and don't like it at all. I often think of adopting new children after the young ones grow up. Richard doesn't think we'll be doing that but I'm totally open to the idea!

flowers on my table said...

Hello Diane,
it's all change for you, but who knows it may turn up something wonderful, even though you miss your little Ruby.The weather is ghastly and it is very hard not to get under it. I SIMPLY REFUSE!

I would like to learn a new skill this year, I am not quite sure what though, as there is so much to choose from.I hope you get some lovely crisp days over the weekend, so that you can get out and lift your spirits. I love your new profile pic...nice glasses! Big hugs to you my friend, love Linda xx

Kerrie said...

Oh my, don't our children grow up too fast! A water-colour class sounds like a positively splendid idea! Since we are in the midst of a heat-wave here in Australia I hope some of our rays of sun will reach you and brighten all your days!!! Love to you my friend and God Bless. xOx

Suzanne said...

Hi Thisisme, I feel like I'm eons behind. I've been sick for a while now-a touch of pneumonia. Seems to be getting a little better now, but I am so behind. I hope your January Blues go away soon, and the sun comes out. We've had dreary weather here now for over a week, and it doesn't help if you're already sick.

Pardon me for being so late. I hope little Ruby enjoys school, but I'm sure she will miss her time with you! See you soon!♥

Sush said...

Hi Dear One,
I'm happy to report I'm off my somewhat forced and somewhat not blogging hiatus! Finally have a new laptop and am able to read without squinting at the iPhone and visit all the lovely blogs in our blogland!
I am sure it is a bit of a tug at the heartstrings to cut those apron strings. But you are so right those moments fly by and we must let them grow their wings. I've been wanting to take a water color class myself. I've a few almost Paint By Numbers sets I purchased and am feeling almost brave enough to attempt a class. Do keep us informed of yours!
Many hugs~

orchid0324 said...

Dearest Diane,
So sorry for my belated coment for you, my friend. As you lovely grandchildren growing up, here must be some feeling of wishing them cute and little foreever♡♡♡ But happy that you have yor own interest♬♬♬
Oh, I got the January blues: most of it from the flu and because of that I hadn't seen my father at the care-center. (besides of it, the center had a patient of Norovirus, which makes us not to visit now). Haven't heard more concerning news from there yet(^^;)

Not getting better perfectly from cold, p;)
Sending you lots of love and hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*