Good times rolled and all good times......

eh!

........must come to an end and whilst we've had a ball, it's nearly time to go home and face the Christmas music! Also, as nuts as it sounds, this country girl is ready for some peace, english countryside tranquility and to get things organised for the silly season. Time to deck the halls!

I'm not a city girl, you know that about me by now but two weeks in the Toronto smoke has been great! The only thing is, it's an assault on the senses sometimes. I found getting around confusing, when it's actually really easy but super intimidating to me nonetheless!

The homeless situation kinda destroyed me but these folks have nothing and no one, it's a sad reflection on modern society! They lie in lifts and on warm underground vents, people stepping over them as if they are invisible. All we could do was offer warm food and drink but it doesn't touch the sides of such a chronic homeless problem does it?

Life goes on, of course it does but I am bothered by the inequalities in life and how clearly very wealthy folks can just ignore the obvious issues, that need more than a sticking plaster! Charities do their bit but more help is needed! I'd have to be numb not to feel affected by what I've seen. Multi Million dollar condos with folks sleeping on the streets! Inhumane!

I don't think I will ever get over being in a cold smelly bridge lift with a chap, dead to the world on the hard, wet floor in crazy winter temperatures! That will stay with me forever. Also I'm a tad ashamed of our excesses of this last two weeks!

Anyway, in some ways I'd love to live in Canada again but property prices are sky high and we are getting on in years, late 50's! Never say never though because should the opportunity arise, all bets are off!

I can confirm I'm a proper winter bug! Love the snow and oh so festive! A living Christmas card until it melts and the slush makes you slip n slide! I really felt the danger of a future broken hip and walked like a little old lady, staying upright against all the odds!

We've done a lot, I wish we'd done more but P was working...sooooo we did what we could. I'm so glad the flights weren't cancelled due to strikes in the end as it would have been complete chaos all round and expensive!

Our youngest is 24 on Saturday! A December baby! Don't blink! I think time really needs to slow the fudge down and soon!

See you on the other side!

D x