Welcome to the Sunday Scene

3 January 2008

Greetings,

Since moving into my new home on 14 December I’ve been without a land line telephone or Internet connection and communications have been difficult indeed. Despite the fact that circumstances prevented any of the family being with me on the day, the move itself was plain sailing and by 5.00 pm, I was relaxing, stretched out on the settee listening to restful music. I felt very happy. However, since then there have been many frustrations, mainly as a result of the lack of effective communications, and I’m reminded that moving home is one of the most stressful life events we human beings have to contend with. Perhaps, with Christmas imminent, the loss of communication with much of the world was exactly what was needed, allowing me time to settle into my new surroundings whilst nursing a cold and chest infection.  Nonetheless, re-directed cards and correspondence tumbled through my letter box, the mobile phone bleeped constantly and well wishers appeared regularly at my shiny red front door.  I was far from forgotten and overjoyed at the thoughtfulness and kindness of family, friends, club members and new neighbours.

 Somehow I managed to design, print and send out combined house move/Christmas cards and dealt with the gift shopping by crisis management.  There was no ‘tree’ this year but I softened the bleakness of curtain-less windows by tying and suspending long strips of ribbons and tree decorations to curtain net poles. With cards, candles and my collection of glass angels dotted around, it looked festive enough. I love my modern house with all its labour saving features, efficient heating system, oodles of storage space and fitted carpets and whilst missing the quirkiness and character of my previous thatched cottage home, this one is perfect for the future. The whole process of selling and buying happened exactly when I was ready for it and I know I’ve done the right thing.

Christmas time, some of which was spent with my family in Wiltshire, seemed to go on for ever with even more enforced rest and relaxation at a time when I was ready and eager to get life moving again. What a salutary lesson in patience! Unlike the previous three years when, as a tactic for getting through and looking beyond Christmas, I’ve focused on planning and hosting a party, this New Year’s Eve presented something of an emotional challenge and was spent quietly but very enjoyably with friends.

But still – you’ve guessed – no land line or Internet connection!  By 4 January I should have a line, my original phone number re-instated, a slow but effective dial up connection and BT Minder service, but I still have to order broadband which will take about another two weeks – and only then (unless I want to delay my broadband order), can I place a further order for a BT telephone directory.  I do rely on the telephone and Internet a great deal but had no idea just how important it had become in my life or how much modern day communications depend upon the technology.
I’ve also spent a small fortune on mobile phone top-ups!

So now – it’s almost back to business, with lots of schemes for developing the website and our clubs so that we can help many more recently widowed men and women to come to terms with their loss and take a positive view of the future.

New Year hugs to you all,  Jacquie