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    Christmas Thoughts 2024 — Donna Pike!

    Christmas Thoughts blog
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    We cook the other meats like beef and gammon the day before; that way they are easier to slice, but the turkey is cooked on the day.

    We steam all the veg apart from the swede. Potatoes are boiled first, then placed into hot goose fat in the oven; that way they are soft inside and crispy outside.

    I buy presents throughout the year and make all my cards and other presents too. I love wrapping presents and always do ribbon, tags, and bows to match. I even did all my friends for her one year, when she'd had an operation, and couldn't do it!!! Payment was a curry, and a few drinks the same night as wrapping, and yes they were all done BEFORE we started drinking!

    Donna
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    Christmas Thoughts 2024 — Joanne Hurst!

    Christmas Thoughts blog
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    My Christmas preparation revolves around having everything bar the cooking done before November.

    I don't have a Christmas tree (psycho kitten).

    My favourite memories of Christmas come from my childhood. When he was home on leave, my dad would wake us up Christmas morning with a cuppa and a plate of 4 choccy biccies. He would then do a full English. Dad did everything on Christmas day, as did my mum when Dad was at sea. He always made the day so happy and full of fun. I miss the Christmases of my youth, so full of joy, happiness, and love! 

    Joanne    ​
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    What a Tiring Week — Infection update and a new start!

    Australia Taiwan 2024 Travel Weight Loss Health blog
    So after three weeks, my raging infection is finally at an end! I feel totally drained and exhausted, and thankful the hospital was able to treat this penicillin-resistant disease successfully. For a while, I really thought I would end up in a hospital bed for the week.  Fortunately, however, they were able to treat me as an outpatient — administering IV antibiotics for a few days, followed by a two-week course of oral antibiotics!

    This has been the second time I have had this infection, and as a precaution my GP ordered a series of blood tests, to see what was going on. He was initially concerned about diabetes or an immunosuppressant condition, but after receiving the results, my anxious mind was put at ease. All the results came back clear, and I was given a clean bill of health.

    Of course, I am still slightly concerned about my apparent predisposition to contracting Staphylococcus Aureus, especially while travelling. However, my Doctor has reassured me, that it isn't anything to worry about. He explained that a combination of hot and humid weather in Southeast Asia and foreign bacteria have probably contributed to my recent spate of infections. It is also important to note, that when you are travelling, you tend to get run down — mainly through lack of sleep; this is another factor, in why my body has reacted in the way it has.

    It is nice to finally be free of this nasty staph infection and cellulitis that followed as a result, but it is certainly a warning sign to slow down. Not only are we both working full-time, but we are also travelling every five or six months, during our time off. This hectic schedule is really taking its toll. We have decided to travel around Australia for the next year and venture back to Asia in 2026 — obviously, if I don't get itchy feet first!
    With my infection over, it was time for a new start. Just a few days after being given the all-clear, I was beginning a new journey, opening a new store in Western Australia. 

    I have been working for the same company in Australia for the last two years, although I have moved across brands during that time. Initially selling bedding, I am now managing a designer clothing store, which was completely out of my comfort zone. Nevertheless, I have persevered, and have learned every aspect of the business. It is also a time for me to embrace change; I have worked in many retail environments during my years in the trade, and have adopted a flexible attitude to job opportunities. Retailing is a sphere I know very well; after 30 years working in shops, I should do — for that reason alone! I am comfortable working in any related sector I put my mind to. Adapting to changing circumstances is key to success; if you enjoy people, and have the ability to communicate successfully, you will do well, especially in Australia!

    The new store opened on Saturday, and it has been busy — very busy! Customers seem impressed by the new design and have supported us in huge numbers. I couldn't be happier, and I know my team feel the same. This is of course just the start of this new enterprise, and so far the signs are looking good. The feedback we have received during our first few days has been amazing, and I feel this is the start of a prosperous future for all of us in Midland. 

    After the awful infection I had just a few days ago, my mental well-being was low, but, thankfully, my week has improved, and my head is in a much better place, ending on a high note. I am looking forward to the future, and putting past negativity behind me. A new adventure is often all it takes to feel back in top form; being able to concentrate on something better, something new and untested, has lifted my spirits and given me hope for the future. After such a debilitating time, on my return from Taiwan, the jigsaw pieces seem to be falling into place, and I am finally feeling well once again!
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    Christmas Thoughts 2024 — Wayne Smith!

    Christmas Thoughts blog
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    'I buy a fresh turkey on Christmas Eve as they are usually half-price and cook it low overnight! I boil the gammon in Coca-Cola the day before, and the beef goes in with turkey! All vegetables are also prepped the day before and put on to cook on Christmas morning. Everyone gets a card with cash, as buying presents nowadays is crap, compared to when we were younger! Loved gift vouchers for Fosters and Burtons,'

    Wayne
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