Last day of 2023

On the 28th I came home, and it was bedtime when I got there. I was glad I would have some days in which I could just do my normal life. Hang out with the cat, do chores, go for runs… and that almost imperceptibly brought me to New Year’s Eve. 

I started the day well. I went for a coffee with Kate! In Cafe Siabod, which would close early in the year. This was one of our last chances.

When I was there anyway, I went for a run from the café. I just changed into my running kit on the parking lot, and off I was. The start of that run involved retracing my steps from almost exactly a year ago. I had come down that path on my first date with Dave, on January 1st! I thought there was some symbolism in using the last day of the year to reclaim that route.

It wasn't particularly good running day. It wasn't quite as soaking wet as the day before, but it was still wet and windy. But that was okay! I ran to the top of the path, from where it drops down to Llyn Crafnant. From there the path isn't very good, so not too suitable for running, hence that I turned back.

When I got home I needed a shower and lunch. And then I set to work on something I should have done quite a while ago. I still hadn't used my new saw! And it was about time. I didn't really want to go into the new year without having at least tried it. So I rolled out an extension lead and checked if I remembered how the whole thing works. And the answer is: insufficiently!

It is a powerful piece of kit, so I didn't want to underestimate it. I went back in, downloaded the user manual, printed it out, and had another look. And I did some trial sawing. It is quick and versatile!

I would start the year with a walk with Sue and Dean, and a walk is not complete without cake. And I didn't have cake. So I left my saw behind again, and went to the kitchen. And when the cake was done it was time for dinner.

After dinner I did what I often do then: sit in the comfortable chair by the fire, often joined by the cat. Then I read, or do something on my phone. I had brought out a very nice beer to festoon the occasion. It was nice and warm and the cat was very comfortable. A good evening!

I went to bed way before midnight. That was 2023! Now bring on 2024. God knows what that will bring…