.Marmalade time

Thank heavens, no rain this morning, the cloud cover is higher so it's not as dull as it has been recently. No snow in the city, but it's cold. Snow and inevitable travel chaos inland. My brolly is unusable, wrecked by recent violent wind when it rained. Getting to bed a bit earlier resulted in a fair night's sleep, and I woke up feeling brighter, but it didn't last long. I drank plenty of water and ate a good breakfast but the meds left me with a woozy head. I don't know why.

Rachel and Clare worked together on removing pips from the oranges and lemons cooked yesterday ready for jam making with the delicious citrus aroma perfuming the house. The second batch of this year's marmalade making has now been bottled.it's an enjoyable chore I like being involved with, but this year I lack the energy. Disappointing and frustrating. 

Rachel shared delicious truffles she's made last night, including a spiced Christmas favoured variety, one of her culinary specialities.

In an effort to clear my foggy brain I walked in Llandaff Fields for three quarters of an hour before lunch. It helps, but imperfectly. The impact of the clot busting meds takes its toll on my system, lowering my blood sugar, so that I feel poorly unless I can eat fast absorbing sweet fruit or something starchy to prevent me feeling faint or tired. My head feels like I've been poisoned.

After a lunch of pork sausages and baked potatoes followed by a little music making, recalling half forgotten songs, the three of us went for a sunset walk up to the Square and Fair café by the Padel courts. It was bitterly cold with a wind that chilled me to the bone on the way there and back.

Rachel and Clare went to 'The Romilly' after supper to witness the traditional  'Mari Lwyd' folk celebration to let the New Year into the pub. I didn't feel like braving the cold again so I stayed home, recorded next Wednesday's Morning Prayer and Reflection and edited it ready to use in video slide show making. The girls returned an hour later with video shots and selfies to show, with the ritual horse skull on a stick.

Huge crowds of citizens are on the streets of Iran, risking violent repression, protesting at the incompetence of an islamist regime that is leading to poverty and hardship. Will it lead to the downfall of its religiouss leadership and their corrupt cronies this time?

Owain called to chat. He's back at work now aiming to have a quieter time socially and a 'dry January'. For ne, bed early again.