Hello there and welcome to my 117 th blog.
In the blink of an eye the year draws to a close,
But it seems annually that’s how it goes.
It’s time again for my rhyming slang,
To close up a chapter that has had the odd clang.
2024 has been quite the time,
And may be a struggle to put into a rhyme.
We have had the most incredible trips away,
For full time workers, often, we sure do play.
There were trips to the bush which are always so neat,
To have friends with homes there, is such a treat.
We’ve been at the Broom for three superb breaks,
With the Boys, and golfers, my heart full this makes.
Then there was Namibia – a bucket list tick,
An unbelievable trip, it was so “sick”
The recent Pondo Trail, soul food beyond nourishing,
Proud to live in our land, visiting areas that are flourishing.
A wonderful wedding in the Cape we were blessed to attend,
The beautiful daughter of our old dear friend (s).
Easter in Wellington on a stunning wine farm,
With some very special folk, it was true balm.
An island getaway with our very dear Core,
Sea, sand, and sun, and amazing food galore.
One of the highlights, our nuptials of thirty a year,
A trip on the Rovos Rail, with many a cheer,
Organized by my favourite, he is just the best,
A spoil of a lifetime, we felt terribly blessed.
We have two more weddings before year end,
KZN and the Cape, so our way to these we’ll wend.
So privileged are we to have been invited to these,
And to share their joy, we will the days seize.
Enough about holidays, let’s change our chat,
Let me for a moment, don another hat.
In no particular order, let’s chat about work,
An area I love, such a fab perk.
It’s been a really and super busy year,
And loving the long hours, never you fear,
The lift belt I’ve made, am slowly getting out there,
Although lack of time to market, to be very fair.
Next year, with two boys living abroad,
I plan to work on this project, lest I get bored.
It’s exciting and daunting but there’s no downside,
And am so looking forward to this next ride.
Now to my exercise and aiming to keep fit,
Working on strength and mobility, doing my bit.
To try to ensure that I keep injury at bay,
It has been good thus far, I just have to say.
So holding thumbs and doing my best,
Very soon I hope to put my fitness to the test.
In January, I experienced poor health,
And as we know, that is our wealth.
I have become so aware that I need to be strong,
A change or two, to put right what was wrong.
My friends remain beyond important to me,
I am so blessed with them, it’s plain to see.
Whether they live abroad or in another city,
They make me feel special, and even say I am pretty!
Calm the farm, Hayles, that’s not really true,
But through so much of life, they have seen me through.
They put up with my stuff and they listen so much,
With messages, flowers, time, a tender touch.
I hope they know that I feel so lucky,
To have them as my tribe, even when I feel grucky.
That’s not a word Hayley, you are getting tired,
However, there’s still more to say, just keep wired.
My Girls remain so important to me,
We all love each other, that is plain to see.
My dear friend and housekeeper has retired and left,
And I can honestly say, i feel quite bereft.
It’s another chapter over, but the beginning of one more,
I wish her well, but will miss her for sure.
With some of the family, we have had some stress,
But this goes with the territory, I have to guess.
There have been moves and changes and a normal that’s new
But there’s been no point in getting into a stew.
We are so blessed in so many ways,
So I just need to remember this, and not get fazed.
With others we continue to have so much fun,
Making the most of all moments, it has to be done.
Another cap of mine is being a mum,
And they make my life so full, and then there is some.
There will be new beginnings for the older two,
And I do so know, its what they just have to do.
It’s definitely not about me, lest I forget,
And they will have the best time, you can just bet.
We will visit and chat and have video calls,
And I will keep busy, and hopefully, not drop balls.
The youngest has finished his studying time,
And has done beyond well, it’s just sublime.
Now looking for a job, we don’t know where,
I would love him to stay with us, to be fair.
I’m getting tired of rhyming, and that’s no lie,
But it’s cathartic, and that is my absolute why.
My favourite has had a very interesting time,
And in the work area, is totally still in his prime.
He seems to be having fun and deals with great folk,
They are lucky to have him, such a fab bloke.
He remains my rock, which at times is not a blast,
But with strength and grit, he’s able to get past,
The difficult times and the challenges too,
Sometimes I am astounded at what he’s able to do.
Our lives have changed in the last little while,
And there are more changes to come, and many a mile.
I am going to struggle, being a long-distance mum.
But it was inevitable and had to come.
However, there are dear friends who have lost so much more,
And the memories we’ve created will come to the fore.
I look forward to 2025 with positivity and hope,
My wish is to worry less and with tough times to cope.
To laugh, to love, and to help those in need.
It’s so easy to do this with my practice, indeed.
To be grateful since I am so lucky and blessed,
To strive to be positive, that is another quest.
To lose the guilt and to live each day to the full,
To keep calm, and not to be red rag to a bull.
To keep going with my mission to be kind,
To stay contented, healthy, and sane of mind.
Okay, Hayles, I think you may be pushing too far,
And I think it’s enough of this poetic blah blah.
Wishing you all a great time over the festive season.
And may you smile, love, live, and have reason.
To live your best life and just make the most,
I think it’s now time to end this post.
With loads of love and a big hug.
Hayley North
083 378 9898