This is the time of the year where if we haven't budgeted properly we are likely to come unstuck. That's well and good, but sometimes in a large household there is always too much month at the end of the money and the appliances needing repair start to accumulate. One of our dogs had to go to the vet twice this week, and animal health costs more that humans sometimes. (PS: He is very grateful and is doing well, no worries..). There is a rumour that we won't be getting Christmas bonuses either. My late brother passed away this week two years ago. He sadly succumbed to depression from marital stress and overwork and of course finances had dwindled. It is a very desperate time of the year if one is planning on enjoying a well earned festive season without the trimmings. We had a discussion in the office about gifts and decided not to bother this year. Nobody invited her, but "Thriftiness" will be attending the Christmas celebrations this year.

I will therefore invite "Optimism" to sit next to her at the table. On the other side will be seated "Gratitude" and on the opposite side will be seated "Happy" and "Contented". The table will incomplete without "Joker" and Smiley Face". I am still looking forward to the celebrations with these most welcome guests. If my family apears familiar among these guests then I am truly "Thankful".

I am thankful for a break from work, for the year that is nearly completed and for the goals that have been reached. This was a busy year with very few breaks and we are tired. Of course hard work never hurt anyone within reason so we are good for some more. I get anxious about the next few months, but the new year is already being planned in advance, so the deliberate budgeting will reap benefits next year. God willing.

It is good to plan ahead to make sure that the bumps may not be so disastrous. I read a quote in the paper today which I feel very true: All things come to those who wait, but when they do they're out of date. "Anonymous" wrote that. So true, but at least in the waiting we didn't get out of pocket. I have missed out on all kinds of kitchen revamps and new makes of cars, but for me old-style gives "Character" to a house. It should be a place to feel at home in. The children know where "Heart" is. That is something money cannot buy.

I am not waiting to be rich, because there is so much "Wealth" in my life right now. A quality life means having someone willing to listen to our sad stories, to ask how we are and to comment on our looks. Even if it is to say "you've gained or lost weight" or "that top looks nice on you" or "how are you" , these words are gifts that cost us nothing. It is the true gift of "Caring" that can light up any day of the year. Add to that a meal and a place to put one's head and a hug to reassure us everything will be ok, life can be perfect. I want to do that right now. Rest in Peace, my brother. You are not forgotten, and everything is okay. I love you. Always.

Eve in "Paradise

Summertime is.....................

Summer is in sight though slow

Surrender to the sun and sand

Salute the seasonal shifting

Of the solar system down south

Smile, sing and soul search

Shade your eyes from the solstice

But celebrate the signs of new life

Don't be solely self centered

Spread sweetness and serenity

Shake out the smugness, sweep off sadness

Skyblue splendour signifies worshipping

a symbolic super power -saving Sun

Shining so sublimely on our sapped simplicity

Shipping us from superfluous to serendipity

(Well almost........when the wind stops blowing, I am going to get me some sun)

Take care, love from Eve