A New Year Brings A New Beginning

As the New Year starts and the old year ends,
There's no better time to make amends
For all the things we sincerely regret,
And wish in our hearts we could somehow forget . . .
We all make mistakes, for it's human to err,
but no one need ever give up in despair,
For God gives us all a brand new beginning,
A chance to start over and repent of our sinning . . .
And when God forgives us we, too, must forgive
And resolve to do better each day that we live
By constantly trying to be like Him more nearly
And to trust in His wisdom
And love Him more dearly . . .
Assured that we're never out of His care
And we're always welcome to seek Him in prayer.

~Helen Steiner Rice (1900 - 1981)~

We celebrated 2010 by going for an early morning stroll at Coombe Abbey. And we were not alone. Half of Coventry were there. The place was buzzing even on a very cold winters day. The park was huge enough that everyone could have their own space. I was surprised to see this pair of lovey-dovey swan. I think it’s a bit early for them to be pairing up…

We strolled up to the hide and it was bursting with noise and people. Sheesh… But the natives were too hungry to notice. We managed to get a seat and spotted the usual culprits. I fell in love with this cute pair of coal and marsh tits. Aren’t they adorable???

We left as it began to get bitterly cold and dark. By the time we reached Benzy, it began to snow. Coventry was very unlucky not to get the heavy snow that has been falling everywhere else. I even bought a pair of spanking new snow boots in anticipation. Grrr…

I’ve taken the Xmas decorations down on Boxing Day, except for the wreath outside the door. With what's going on, it just doesn’t feel right. We did check out the sales but nothing caught our eyes. Guess the best had already been snapped up. Judging from the news that people queued at 4am. A bit sad, I think. Shouldn’t they be visiting families and friends?

We spent most of the holidays at Brandon Marsh. Just to get out of the casa, get some fresh air and clear the cobwebs. Not surprisingly, the robins were stalking us for food and I never let them down. They had me trained very well :-).

As we walked towards the hide, we spotted hundreds of Redpolls, Siskins, Great, Blue and Long-tailed tits feeding on this tree. I was soo excited as this is the first time I saw Redpolls. The noise was deafening. It was so delightful watching them. What a pity it was quite dark at that time.

By the time we left, it was so bitterly cold that we’d to have a hot drink to thaw. Kay later joined us. We sat by the window watching the birds having a feeding frenzy by the bird-feeder. And this handsome Great-Spotted woodpecker made an appearance. I felt so blessed.

2009 has left me with some very bad memories. Of course, I’d some good ones but the bad ones lingers. The restructuring process at work, my grandmother’s death and now, Trish’s disappearance which certainly carries on into 2010 and beyond. Until she’s found, that is.

I wish everyone all the best for 2010 and may our cups overflow with love and good health.