I was really looked forward to Christmas and spending time with family and friend’s. But then Christmas Day was short and sweet and Boxing Day a friend of whom I had agreed to spend time with had the flu so I found myself alone at home.

New Years Eve, myself and two friends went out to watch our regular band “The Big Blue- Sussex Band “ with a set menu at a Curry House. It was ok, but I wouldn’t do it again, even though I left them a good review, I can see they worked hard to make everything successful for the evening. I am not used to eating so late. One of the friends insisted on a “doggy bag” then took half my meal home with her. Actually, as I am currently without a microwave, so I had to say it was acceptable!

New Years Day it was pouring with rain, so I didn’t go out. Just chilled and caught up with things I had been putting off for a while. Thankfully, I was able to work from home on the day that followed and then in the office for a couple of days the following week.

Glad to receive an electric blanket as a gift from my daughter for Christmas. Makes it easier to sleep. I have slept so much better since my move. Since COVID I had a bit of Tinnitus, it does come and go. I have very good hearing and unfortunately, can hear the hot water boiling in the cylinder when on Economy 7. So I try to get to bed early so I am asleep before this noise begins.

Then a friend gave me an electric radiator that blows hot air as well as the radiator element. This is much better and keeps the room warmer while I work. You almost need to go outside to come in again to appreciate the warmth!

I know some of my work colleagues don’t put their heating on but sit with their coats on and fingerless gloves.

I’m the only person that doesn’t have gas heating in this building that I live in, though coming in from the cold air, the room feels warm so I may benefit it a little from heat rising from their flats. Just first thing in the morning it’s harder than it would be normally to get up. Dark morning’s when I leave at 7am to go to work, then it’s dark on my return. Winter seems longer this year, thankfully we didn’t get that much snow, it’s mostly been raining and cold. Hardly any sunshine.

My car has been in the wars. Bashed the wing mirror, it cost me £100 to get repaired which was cheap as a friend sorted it out for me. Sadly, my car is looking quite rough now, with scratches on the paint work and the door handle covers have dropped off. I got my church house group to pray the car got through the MOT. Thank God it did. It is a cheap little run around that i bought when it was six years old, now it’s twelve years old and I need to keep going a few more years yet.

In the day, it’s a challenge to keep the electric bill down. Since having the Smart Meter installed at least I can see what uses the energy. I rarely use the oven. I manage to eat quite well using the Air Fryer, Slow Cooker and hob. I still have a pressure cooker, just about remember how to use it. The main point being how to let it off the heat and release naturally. The pressure drops quite fast, then It’s safe to open.

Basically, you have to cook differently when you know you don’t have a microwave to heat meals up.

I used to use a Microwave quite a bit and will get one in March, so that I can enjoy jacket potatoes again.

January was quite a quiet month for socialising, I try did get out to see Stuart Bligh sing solo and I made this video which we collaborated on via Instagram Follow Stuart Bligh on Instagram and it got over 1k views Then I have also shared it on My TikTok and my other platforms. Stuart told me he got a couple of bookings as a result. Well that was good to know, very encouraging! I’ve been supporting his band and his solo gigs for twelve years now. He always refers to me and my friends as “friends” gives us a hug when he sees us. We have been all over East Sussex to lots of country pubs, some in really remote places.

Stuart also hosts a “Blues Weekend” called “Beer, Rhythm & Blues” in Beer https://www.beerbluesfestival.co.uk

Last year the weather was bitter cold, the year before though it was lovely. As it’s in October, your guess is as good as mine to what the weather would be like!

I am planning to go somewhere warmer this year early Autumn but where I haven’t decided yet.