A ‘Wake Up!’ call

2026

Neil,from ‘Yorkshire Pudding,’ left a comment on a blog post of mine from seventeen years ago, 24^th February, 2009, to be precise. I struggled out of my semi-comatose state to visit his blog, where I enjoyed reading about the licentious goings-on at the Laughing Horse Awards and was astonished to discover that I had been unexpectedly honoured. Neil took the words right out of my keyboard when he quoted me saying, “never in my wildest dreams did I expect to receive such a prestigious accolade.”

So, thank you, Neil. I am indeed flattered. What you may not have realised is that I have been struggling to break free of an encroaching lassitude and wondering if I should continue to blog.

The last few years have been difficult, for several reasons, though now there is the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. I am only too aware that many others have far worse matters to contend with. My life, in general, has been blessed, and I remain thankful for good health and a loving and supportive husband and family.

A few hours days of introspection made me realise that I still want the outlet blogging gives me and so I shall continue. Bad luck, all!

Well, it has been a humdinger of a start to a new year. Do people still say ‘humdinger?’  Apparently, it’s a late 19^th century American colloquialism. Bing (not Crosby) informs me that “Humdinger” is an Americanism from the late 1800s, most likely formed by blending two earlier slang words — hummer (something energetic or excellent) and dinger (something outstanding). The earliest known printed use is from 1883 in a Montana newspaper.”  So now I know, and will probably forget.

Anyway, 2026 promises to be interesting. The President of the United States continues to disengage from reality and wreck his country’s international relationships. There are many amusing memes and cartoons, but there is an underlying fear of what the future holds. Those who know are busy analysing and forecasting.

                                     This, from Debby at ‘Life’s Funny Like That,’ made me laugh so much, and gave me hope that common sense will prevail and prevent the world hurling itself into a maelstrom of disaster.

Belatedly, Happy New Year, everyone. May all your troubles be little ones and all your pleasures be prodigious.