Counting my Blessings on my Birthday

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In random order

1 Look at the beautiful flowers kind friends gave me

2 and the lovely new antique cherry mahogany table we bought, which I love.

3 Lovely Roy has been able to work from home in our family business this year, and look after most practicalities, freeing up SO much writing for me me.

He's been able to do the things he always wanted to--read more, pray more, garden more, grow our own veg, and keep up with news, the house. He's also enjoying exploring "hacks"--the most efficient ways of doing things.

4 Zoe did very well in her G.C.S.E.'s--all A*'s and A's, and is enjoying her A levels--Philosophy, theology, English and French. She is a strong Christian, and goes to two youth groups, in both our old and new church.

5 Irene is doing brilliantly academically, receiving more enthusiastic reports than I ever, ever got!! She's cheerful, bouncy, and very happy, with a very tight-knit, loving, supporting group of friends.

6 Peace, joy, and happiness. Yes, I am really happy.

7 Blogging has brought me great joy this year.

8 And twitter--what a revelation. Love it!

9 Travel--I've enjoyed a Dec trip to Granada, a Feb. trip to Rome, an April trip to Ravenna and Bologna, a July trip to Strasbourg, an August trip to Sweden, and an October trip to Devon since my last birthday.

We are going to Wales soon, and then London.

10 A wonderful cleaner and housekeeper, who keeps everything clean and running smoothly.

11 Taking up running, which I SO enjoy, though anyone of you could beat me at it.

12 Beginning to read again intensively, which I SO, SO love.

13 St. Andrew's, Oxford, my new church, in which I am so happy.

14 My wonderful women's group, which is THE BEST women's group I've ever been in.

15 Our couple's small group, which is so interesting.

16 A lovely birthday party at which I caught up with so many friends.

17 Good health all year.

18 Starting writing again after a break of 4 years. Slowly, but a beginning.

19 Our family are individually happy, and happy together.

20 My dog who's always with me, and my rabbits and ducks

21 The deep, deep love of God into which I am falling ever deeper