All will be calm; all will be bright… These words have been rolling around my head like a mantra recently. There have been moments of wonderful brightness but there is little calm and everything has been overshadowed by the fact that my poor mum is in hospital again. You may remember she had a hip replaced at the beginning of November. Her progress was slow but seemingly steady until a couple of weeks ago when she ground to a halt. It was a long week before an x-ray revealed that her leg was broken (possibly from the original operation). So, she has had to go through the whole rigmarole again and we are waiting to hear whether she will be home in time for Christmas.
It takes quite a lot to dampen my spirits, though, and although this has been trying (for my mum, more than the rest of us, obviously) I have managed to fit in a couple of trips – one to visit my lovely brother and his family and one to see the bright festive lights of the big city. Both cheered me up enormously. And a lovely gift arrived in the post last week – fellow blogger Deborah sent me an original 1960s Paton magazine to help me in my quest to learn to crochet. I was very touched that she thought of me and I will make time to properly give it a go over the holidays.
We are all thinking positively, so, in between visits to the hospital, my dad is working hard to get Christmas ready at their house and I’m trying to do the same here. Three days to go… I think I have bought all the presents(!) but none are wrapped. I think I have ordered or bought all the food, apart from stuffing ingredients which I remembered in the middle of last night. I do know the house is a tip and there is a pile of ironing the size of a small car, and there is more decorating and baking to do. Oh, and a cake to marzipan and ice. And I promised to take the children in to Canterbury today. And I mustn’t forget to collect the turkey tomorrow!
I really should be getting on with it rather than writing this post but it’s helping to organise my brain and is a moment of calm, and I wanted to wish you a Christmas full of peace and joy, with plenty of calm and moments of brightness. Sam xx
acoastalplot 
Hope your mum is truly better soon, Sam.
Happy Christmas!
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I think I’m in the same boat – very behind, but lost a day yesterday because I had a urinary tract infection. That’s why I’m up at 4:30 am doing a menu plan and grocery list for the week, and sneaking a peak at some of my favorite blogs.
I hope you enjoy learning to crochet – it’s been great fun for me this last year. And hoping your mom is mending quickly. Merry Christmas!
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I’m so sorry to hear about your Mum but do hope that she is now on the mend and will be home in time for Christmas. Find time to relax over the holidays, learning to crochet sounds like an excellent way of achieving it! Happy Christmas Sam.
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So sorry to hear about your Mum, I hope that she can escape for the day for Christmas Day to spend it at home. The rest of the stuff will happen, rope in anyone else for the wrapping, leave the ironing and the cake will still taste delicious without icing etc, or just do a disc of marzipan and icing on top, that is what Delia does! I do hope that you have a very happy Christmas and that all will be well in the New Year – and for Christmas. Hugs to you. xx
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So sorry to hear about your Mum’s setback. I hope that this next operation will set her right and that you find some relaxation time! A very merry Christmas to you and your family. Brenda
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How dispiriting for your poor mum – I hope the new year brings a full recovery.
All will be calm and bright even if you have forgotten something. Just keep repeating the mantra. For what it’s worth, your preparations are way ahead of mine. I haven’t even got a tree yet.
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Stay calm and carry on!
Best wishes to your Mum and her recovery, I hope you all have a lovely Christmas.
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It must have been such a set back for your Mum . I do hope that she is home by Christmas and hope you are recovering too. Have a lovely Christmas and hope things calm down for you. Sarah x
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Oh your poor mum (and dad). I do hope she is home soon and that you all have a very merry Christmas. Sarah x.
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sending you calm thoughts, and merry Christmas wishes, and I do so hope your mum makes a good recovery very soon xxxx
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So sorry to hear about your mum. I do hope they sort it this time and that she is home soon and pain free. It sounds as though you’ve had a couple of lovely trips. Lots to do here as well, but I’m trying to stay cool! I’m wishing you a very wonderful Christmas Sam. CJ xx
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Sending healing thoughts to your mum, Sam. Enjoyed your pictures 🙂
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Hello Sam,
So sorry to hear about your mom. It must be such a difficult time for you and your family. Wishing you all of the best this holiday season. 🙂
PS- I think of missing ingredients in the middle of the night too!
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Wishing you a peaceful Christmas Sam, I hope your mum is ok. x
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Wishing your mother a speedy recovery, and a joyous holiday season for your family.
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I wish your mum a speedy recovery. Merry Christmas to you and your family! Enjoy.
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I do hope your mother can be out of hospital for Christmas. This Advent has been a very mixed bag for so many but there are sure to be some bright spots. x
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I hope your Mum makes a quick recovery. Have a wonderful Christmas with your family. What a cute little girl you have.
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Best wishes to your Mum; hang in, the calm will come.
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Hi Sam – I’ve only just caught up with your post, so sorry to hear your mum was back in hospital. I do hope she’s on the mend now and all was calm and bright on the day for you – and that you managed to find time for a sit down with the crochet!
All the very best for 2016.
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Oh no, your poor Mum. I am sorry and I hope she’s recovering well. John’s mum goes in for her second hip op tomorrow (her first was only last January!) and we are thinking of her. It sounds like those days before Christmas were really frantic but I hope you did all have a happy Christmas and that, now it’s over, you can relax a little. x
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Hi Sam, I hope that Christmas itself went well for you and yours, and that your mum is on the mend. Have mainly dropped by to thank you for your lovely blog, and to wish you well for 2016. Xxxx
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Oh Dear. I am so sorry to hear this news, and hope that your dear Mum is making better progress now. X
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