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Wednesday, 23 December 2020

Positive Distractions For Christmas 2020.

It's been a year since I posted. I've missed the blogging community and the diverse interaction that I cherish.  I've been overwhelmed with health issues.  Two major surgeries in less than two months has taken its toll on me.  I'm still experiencing a lot of pain.  Yet, somehow, through the pain, I focus on the positive distractions that give me comfort.     

This has been the most awful of years.  Compounded by the restrictions, the chaos and confusion that has dominated our lives in the year 2020.

Hello to you.  I will now share some positive distractions that have helped me so much. 

And there we are.  Christmas 2020.  The positive distractions of a glowing fire, a Christmas tree, a couple of wee folks, a photo of my son when he was a young boy.   Plus, of course, a photo reminder of the spirit of Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar.

The peace and joy that I embrace.  The wee folks have taught me many a lesson.  About unconditional, non-judgemental love. 
Fidelina, the beautiful fairy princess, her husband, Geoffrey the garden gnome and their boychild, Einahalk, wish for you, for me, for all of us, a wondrous time now and into the future.  
I fondly recall the gathering of the wee folks one wintry evening back at my old enchanted garden. 

I took this photo on the afternoon of December 23, 2020.  Two pigeons perched on the scaffolding just outside my bedroom window.  
Ah, the last remnants of the setting sun as darkness blankets the sleepy little town of Leek.
Bless the memory of Penny.  So content with a trio of garden gnomes.  Her spirit will keep me company as it's wise that I spend Christmas day on my own.  On my own but grateful for all the positive distractions.  

May you have a peaceful Christmas.  Let us rejoice in all that is good and focus on our positive distractions. 

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50 comments:

  1. Jemi Fraser23 December 2020 at 23:31

    Wishing you a peaceful Christmas as well, Gary! Hope that pain is disappearing and things are looking up. Take care and all the best for 2021!!

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  2. klahanie23 December 2020 at 23:51

    Thank you so much, Jemi. I have some medical problems that need to be rectified. All the best to you and your loved ones. Here's to a mmuch better 2021.
    Hugs, Gary.

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  3. Sandi24 December 2020 at 00:58

    Merry Christmas! 🎄

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    Replies
    1. klahanie27 December 2020 at 18:00

      Thank you, Sandi. Christmas was quiet and peaceful. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, my thoughtful friend.

      Hugs, Gary.

      Delete
  4. Sharon Himsl24 December 2020 at 01:33

    Hi Gary. I have not posted in long time either (hmm...my avatar is gone) but saw you on FB and wanted to say hi at your blog. First off, was sorry to hear about your sweet Penny. So many of us in the blog world loved hearing about her. Your attitude today, considering all that 2020 has brought you, is inspiring. Keeping an upper chin as some would say. I'm trying to do the same. I took my 95 yr old mom out of an 'assisted care' home in March into mine when Covid first hit. A huge adjustment for hubby and me, to say the least,but no regrets. Virus is awful here. Take care and Merry Christmas to you too.

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    1. klahanie27 December 2020 at 18:06

      Hi Sharon,

      Ah yes, both of us lacking in blog postings. Thanks for your kind words. Much appreciated. Penny, bless her doggy heart, went over to the Rainbow Bridge, on Tuesday, October 23, 2018. My son and I were devastated but grateful she was part of our lives.

      We both embrace seeing the positives out of what has been a most negative time. I can imagine the adjustments your husband and yourself had to make when your mother moved in. Still, no regrets is very heartening. The virus, be gone sometime in 2021. Hope you and your loved ones had a peaceful Christmas.

      Hugs, Gary.

      Delete
  5. PT Dilloway24 December 2020 at 02:15

    I've missed your posts and I hope your pain gets better soon. This has been a pretty bad year for most of us but it helps to focus on those positive things in our lives.

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    1. klahanie27 December 2020 at 19:37

      Hi PT,

      Thanks for those kind thoughts. I'm struggling but I'm determined to get better. 2020 has been quite the nightmare year, for sure. A positive focus and looking forward to better times, sure does help.

      Hope you had a nice Christmas.

      Gary

      Delete
  6. River24 December 2020 at 02:43

    What a lovely surprise to see you in my sidebar again and with such wonderful photos. Merry Christmas to you, the wee folk and the spirit of Penny :)

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    Replies
    1. klahanie1 January 2021 at 16:14

      Hi River,

      Apologies for my late reply. I'm having such a struggle with my health issues. Thank you for you kind comment. And now, welcome to 2021. Has to be a better year.

      Kind wishes,

      Gary

      Delete
  7. Debra She Who Seeks24 December 2020 at 02:55

    Klahanie, my ex-pat Canadian friend! How WONDERFUL to have a Christmas post from you! Someone gifted me my very first gnome this Christmas and of course that made me think of you and your family of gnomes and fairy folk in the Enchanted Garden! And then I thought of Penny, she of the many puns and funny comments. I miss Penny and you and your posts. I wondered how you were holding up during this pandemic that is so stressful for everyone. And now I learn -- two surgeries in two months! Yikes! But I hope they will solve whatever the problem was, and that you will soon be in much better and pain-free health. May the Goddess of all Wee Folk bless you and your son too in 2021 and may it be a much better year for all concerned!

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    1. klahanie1 January 2021 at 16:28

      Hi Debra,

      Thank you for such a thoughtful, memory-filled comment. Here's to your gnome, to my Enchanted Garden and yes, our beloved Penny. I'm having a tough time and it's difficult to comment through the pain. However, I maintain that positive focus that all with be okay.

      Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and here's to 2021 be a much better year. My regards to you and your loved ones.

      Hugs, eh.

      Gary

      Delete
  8. Elephant's Child24 December 2020 at 06:04

    It is truly lovely to see a post from you dear Gary.
    I am sorry that you have had to have surgeries, and more work is required. I love that sweet Penny's spirit and the wee folk are with you still.
    Huge (and non infectious ) hugs.

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    Replies
    1. klahanie1 January 2021 at 16:40

      Hi Sue,

      Thank you for your caring words. I'm having a lot of pain issues. The medical profession still hasn't worked out why I'm in so much pain. Yet, I maintain that positive focus and think of the wee folks, think of Penny's spirit.

      Hope you had a nice Christmas. Wishing you a way better 2021,

      Virtual, safe hugs, your way,

      Gary

      Delete
  9. Eileen H24 December 2020 at 07:31

    How wonderful to see a post from you Gary, I had wondered how you were. We have so much in common during this awful, awful year you wouldn't believe but this comment is about you. I wish you better health for the coming year and
    thank you for your positive distractions. Merry Christmas to you.

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    Replies
    1. klahanie1 January 2021 at 16:42

      Hi Eileen,

      Thank you for your comment, my kind friend. I hope the coming year is much better for you, Eileen.

      Hope you had a good Christmas. Positive distractions for a peaceful 2021, your way.

      Gary

      Delete
  10. nashvillecats224 December 2020 at 08:20

    You have been greatly missed Gary this past year and I hope all goes well for you healthwsie after your ops plus this Covid 19 virus.
    Thanks for sharing wonderful pictures with us....... sure brighened my day.
    Take care and keep safe.
    Yvonne.

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    Replies
    1. klahanie1 January 2021 at 16:45

      Hi Yvonne,

      How lovely to see you, my kind friend. Thanks for the positive thoughts.

      Hope Christmas was peaceful for you. A much brighter year ahead is what we hope for.

      Be well and yes, keep safe.

      Gary

      Delete
  11. Annalisa Crawford24 December 2020 at 09:05

    You have done such a good job of remaining positive - looking outwards is always a great idea, even when 'outwards' this year has been hard in itself.

    So sorry you're enduring ongoing pain. I hope 2021 is kinder to you xx

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    Replies
    1. klahanie7 January 2021 at 21:35

      Hi Annalisa, how thoughtful of you. I apologise for not replying sooner. The pain has been extreme over the last few days. Of course, no matter what, I shall stay positive. Thanks and may this be a kind year for you and your loved ones.
      Hugs and hope, Gary.

      Delete
  12. Alex J. Cavanaugh24 December 2020 at 12:38

    Gary! Good to hear from you. Sorry about the surgeries and pain. Don't lose the positive attitude though. This year, it's all we have.
    Merry Christmas and God Bless.

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    Replies
    1. klahanie7 January 2021 at 21:42

      Greetings Alex, and good to hear from you, kind sir. Thank you for such nice thoughts. I just hope I will be better soon. It was quite an awful year we all went through. Positivity is the clear focus.
      I hope you had a peaceful Christmas and here's to a better year ahead. God bless you and your loved ones.
      In kindness, Gary.

      Delete
  13. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe24 December 2020 at 13:23

    It was lovely to see your positive post on my dashboard. I wish you comfort as you recover from your surgeries. This is a Christmas unlike all others but our job is to keep safe till we can get vaccinated and the light of hope beams again.

    Happy Christmas, dear Gary.

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    Replies
    1. klahanie7 January 2021 at 21:51

      Hi Arleen, how wonderful to see you. I've been having a number of issues since my two surgeries. This is why I have been so much in the background.
      I do so hope that you and your family had a nice Christmas and a peaceful New Year's eve. Here's to the rollout of the vaccinations in all the nations.
      Kind thoughts, your way, Gary.

      Delete
  14. Tigermouse24 December 2020 at 13:23

    How lovely to see a Christmas post from you Gary, I've been wondering how you are. I'm sorry to read of your health problems, I hope they can be overcome and you have a much better 2021. Thank you for sharing the beautiful picture of sweet little Penny, she was adorable and will never be forgotten x

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  15. jenny_o24 December 2020 at 14:53

    It's so good to read a post from you, Gary. I'm sorry you are having health difficulties and hope you are soon moving forward again. Yes, this year has been a hard one. And being alone at Christmas is extra hard. But it's for the best, for now. As long as you have memories, though, you're never truly alone. No one can take our memories away. All best to you, my friend.

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  16. Joylene Nowell Butler24 December 2020 at 16:49

    Feliz Navidad, Gary. It's wonderful to have you back. You were missed. Best to you in 2021. It's going to be a good year.

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  17. fairyhedgehog24 December 2020 at 17:06

    Sending you all my very best wishes for Christmas, Gary. You have beautiful pictures and memories and I love that you share them with us. You are an inspiration.

    I do hope that your medical issues can be sorted soon especially the pain. No one should have to be suffering pain.



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  18. Janie Junebug25 December 2020 at 06:57

    So nice to see you, Gary. I wish I could make your pains go away.

    Love,
    Janie

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  19. bazza25 December 2020 at 10:22

    Hi Gary. So sorry to learn of your extra tough year. Hopefully anyone feeling sad about living in lockdown can see that others have things even worse. I hope you will be able to return to Blogging because you are a unique voice!
    I wish you all the best for Christmas and the New Year and a better 2021.
    Best regards, Barry
    CLICK HERE for Bazza’s justly jocular Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

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  20. Martha25 December 2020 at 14:57

    I'm so happy to see a post from you. You have been really missed! I'm sorry to hear about the health issues. I do hope you start feeling much better soon. Sending you lots of positive vibes and lots of hugs, too, this Christmas day. All the best, and a blessed 2021 to you!

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  21. Truedessa26 December 2020 at 04:08

    Merry Christmas my dear friend.

    Wishing you peace and healing...

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  22. Botanist26 December 2020 at 04:21

    So glad to hear from you again, Gary. Here's hoping 2021 is full of positives to make up for the endless bad news that was 2020.

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  23. Lisa Southard30 December 2020 at 09:07

    Welcome back :-) Glad the wee folk are keeping you company, may the new year bring us all better times xx

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  24. Lowcarb team member1 January 2021 at 23:11

    So nice to see this post from you.
    Sending positive thoughts and good wishes.

    All the best Jan

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  25. Hilary Melton-Butcher3 January 2021 at 11:29

    Hi Gary - got here eventually ... often thinking of you though. I'm glad the surgeries are over and you're home ... and I hope healing regularly and more easily. Not an easy time for anyone, but for you recovering from the surgeries ... Tristan and family seem like they're being very supportive. So pleased to see you and to see the wonderful photos you've posted - heart warming. Take care and all the best as 2021 moves forward ... I hope Spring will be early and kind to us ... with hugs and thoughts - Hilary

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  26. Blue Grumpster5 January 2021 at 12:48

    I should sue you for making me smile. There goes my reputation, you know... Anyway, it's good to hear from you again.

    I want to say, Happy New Year, but I'm not ready yet.

    Blue

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  27. CraveCute16 January 2021 at 14:59

    So good to hear form you Gary, but so sad to learn of your continued health problems. I sincerely hope that this year will bring you healing. It seems these past few years have piled up a great deal of physical and mental pain on so many of us. Thank you for your cheerful photos and the sweet remembrance of your dear Penny. May this new year bless us all with some good luck! 😻 Diane

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  28. DMS2 February 2021 at 18:26

    So nice to see your post! 2020 was definitely a tough year- and I hope 2021 is better for you. Sounds like you have the right attitude! That is always part of the battle. Loved seeing all the photos. :)

    ~Jess

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  29. Lowcarb team member17 February 2021 at 00:00

    Just stopping by to say hello :)
    My good wishes.

    All the best Jan

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  30. Blue Grumpster18 October 2021 at 05:30

    Just stopping by to say hi. Still love that picture of Penny.

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  31. lostinimaginaryworlds.blogspot.com22 February 2022 at 21:41

    Thinking about you and hoping you soon recover and bounce back, Gary xx

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    1. klahanie22 February 2022 at 22:00

      Thank you very much for your supportive words. I am looking forward to that day when my health returns. Bless you. Xx

      Delete
  32. Mildred Ratched 1 December 2022 at 18:48

    Stopping by to wish you Happy Holidays and hope you'll be back to blogging eventually.

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    1. klahanie2 December 2022 at 16:01

      Dear Mildred, thank you so much. Wishing you and your loved ones a happy holiday season. I hope to be able to blog again sometime soon. My health issues are incredibly frustrating. Thanks again.

      Delete
  33. MunirGhiasuddin10 December 2022 at 03:24

    Hi, I hope that all is well with you . I am OK here. Have been very busy driving between home and rehab. Hopefully he will be home soon then the driving will be minimal and I can enjoy reading and writing. Take cae of yourself.

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    1. klahanie14 December 2022 at 22:21

      Dear Munir, I am still in a lot of pain. Getting medical help in the UK has been quite the challenge. I am glad that you are okay, my thoughtful friend. Because of my continuing health issues, I had to sell my car and stop driving.
      I am going to attempt to do a blog before the end of this year. I checked my blogger dashboard and my settings were all over the place. Most annoying. :And you take care of yourself.

      Delete
  34. klahanie14 December 2022 at 22:22

    To whoever may read this comment. After two years of torment and frustration, I shall be attempting to blog again, fairly soon. Blessings and hope to you, my friend on the other side of the computer screen.

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    1. fairyhedgehog15 December 2022 at 10:03

      I'll look forward to reading your blog post; I'm sorry your health is so bad and you are in such constant pain xx

      Delete
    2. klahanie15 December 2022 at 17:03

      Thank you, my kind friend. xx

      Delete

I do try to comment back to each commenter individually. However, I might have to shorten my replies or give a group thank you. That way, I can spend more time commenting on your blogs. Thank you and peace, my friend.