Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
   The flying cloud, the frosty light:
   The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
   Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
   The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.

Ring out the grief that saps the mind
   For those that here we see no more;
   Ring out the feud of rich and poor,
Ring in redress to all mankind.

Ring out a slowly dying cause,
   And ancient forms of party strife;
   Ring in the nobler modes of life,
With sweeter manners, purer laws.

Ring out the want, the care, the sin,
   The faithless coldness of the times;
   Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes
But ring the fuller minstrel in.

Ring out false pride in place and blood,
   The civic slander and the spite;
   Ring in the love of truth and right,
Ring in the common love of good.

Ring out old shapes of foul disease;
   Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;
   Ring out the thousand wars of old,
Ring in the thousand years of peace.

Ring in the valiant man and free,
   The larger heart, the kindlier hand;
   Ring out the darkness of the land,
Ring in the Christ that is to be.

In Memoriam, Alred, Lord Tennyson 1809 – 1892

The words and sentiments in this poem seem to be as valid now as when they were written 170-odd years ago, how little have we learned. And you thought that it was just a George Harrison song from the 70’s. Anyway, happy New Year to you all, let’s hope that 2024 brings all good health and happiness.

So did you have a good Christmas? Mine was very enjoyable; nice and relaxing actually, a chance to recharge the batteries. I got some lovely presents – a replacement wristwatch for the one that died last year. I am an old fashioned sort of bloke, so it’s not one of those ‘smart’ watches, it’s a good old analogue Timex, I know where I am with that. I also got a new atlas, so I can archive my old one that still shows the Soviet Union, and many countries whose names or borders have changed since the last one was published over 40 years ago. How long the current edition will remain relevant is open to question with the conflicts that are either ongoing or likely to develop in the near future. I know that you can get the very latest information online at the click of a mouse, but there is something captivating about a book of maps open in front of you – so that’s where Ulan Bator is! Another lovely prize that I received was a plate designed by Eric Ravilious for Wedgewood. It is a delightful addition to my modest collection by that artist, and is one in the ‘Garden’ design range.

Russia is just too big. Mind you, look at Canada!

Wasn’t the weather disappointing though? Very mild, windy, too much wet and not enough sunshine. There have been few days where dog walking has been a pleasure, either underfoot or overhead. However, it’s not bad this morning. I haven’t travelled far from home this holiday, Jennifer and Emily went to London yesterday to a Sondheim show, but I stayed behind to keep an eye on the animals – a vitally important job, and a great excuse not to go.

So it’s back to normal from Tuesday….well not quite, but heading in the right direction. Deliveries will be back to normal for Thursday/Friday customers, but I will not be at Wyken on Saturday so there will be no order collections from there this week. My first farmers’ market back is on the 13th. Because we are easing back after an extended break the availability of vegetables is limited, so there is a pared back look to the shop this week. All being well a full selection will be on offer a week from now.

So greens are limited to January King cabbages and red curly kale. There will be sweet potatoes, swede, dirty parsnips and carrots, beetroot, cherry vine tomatoes, spuds of course, onions, squash and mushrooms – so plenty to make soups, stews and casseroles with. Apples are Cox Royale, there are oranges, clementines and lemons. I don’t know about you, but over Christmas I hardly eat any fruit, whereas in ‘normal’ times I eat loads of it….queer. I’m looking forward to upping my vitamin C intake this week.

Are you giving it large tonight? We’re not, it will hopefully be a nice quiet one with some board games, maybe a game of cards, and a little glass of something to see in the new year. Whatever you do I hope that you have fun, I’m off now to walk Nellie while the sun is still shining.

Phil