I hope you all have a wonderful month of December and that it brings you the chance to reconnect with friends you don’t often see.

We’re so lucky to have email now, enabling us to touch base with friends and family across the planet, but for me there is nothing to replace the plop of a crisp envelope from overseas as it sails through the letterbox, followed by the thrill of carefully opening a year’s worth of news from people I care about.

For those who will be alone over the holiday season, Internet, radio and TV offer some degree of companionship and fun, but nothing replaces the warmth of human contact, so do venture out if you can. For me, nothing will ever replace a walk through the lanes to the nearest small market town, stopping to chat with others on the way. People are so interesting, and a smile is often the only introduction you need to spark a new friendship.

I wish you all warmth, love, good food, and good reading over this holiday season.

With my very best wishes to you,
xx