I feel like I need to counter Richard's rather negative last couple of posts. Tonight, having done the barn chores, I sat on the step watching the quiet night. It was one of those moonlit nights that makes the snow sparkle like magic, and it was quiet, but for the sound of Max, the barn cat, sitting on my knee, purring almost loudly enough to drown out the wonderful sound of the horses munching contentedly on their hay. All that contentment rubs off a little. I wouldn't say that there aren't times when the animals are a tie and strife inducing, but they do add something to it all, especially when everyone is fed and happy.

Reflecting on the last year; 2010 was just too busy for my liking, and whilst I accept that the next couple of years are likely to be hectic a lot of the time (- the kids are involved in various clubs and hobbies, which is great, I am hooked on producing as much home-grown food as we can muster, and the farm continues to crumble and need constant repair, oh, and yes, we do have to make a living too!), I see the last three years as a steep learning curve, and want 2011 to be a year of consolidation, with a little more attention to stepping off the treadmill occasionally to admire the view!

New Year, New You

The Family Von Krapp brought in the new year in the traditional manner, annoying people with a fairly enthusiastic, if poorly played, rough approximation of Auld Lang Syne. The advent of skype has brought a new dimension to playing live, and we felt we had to apply something of the visual dimension to our performance - thankfully, we didn't go the whole hog to Jane's suggestion of an Abba tribute version - jeez.

Because UK 'bells' is only 8pm here, we are relatively sober for the performance, which is probably not that great a thing. This year lost a little spontaneity too, as various family members were queued up on skype trying to get it over and done with, so they could get to bed - not very rock 'n roll.

I made several resolutions this year including: run a marathon in 2011, be in bed by 10:30 unless there's a very good reason not to be and drink well under the recommended 21 units of alcohol per week. So far, I've done very well and you'd think I would be beginning to burst with health and vigour. The reality is that in the last two weeks, I have pulled both calf muscles, had a upset stomach for several days and now have a cold. I was healthier steaming every night.