This month saw me settle back into Honiton where I had lived for a few years prior to moving to Exeter. It felt like coming home and I received a warm welcome from people who recognised me. Having moved in just before Christmas meant there was a delay before getting work done on the house and retrieving our furniture out of storage. To say our move did not go smoothly is a bit of an understatement and the saga is liable to bore people. However, we had some pleasant adventures along the way and are now happy to be busy unpacking and living amongst the unpacked boxes while rooms are decorated.
Boxing Day was just that…boxing day.
There are always compromises in any situation and, for me, the compromise was a reduced horizon from which to enjoy the night sky and the Moon. The previous home had a great view of the Moon as it moved above and below the ecliptic. The necessity to stay in holiday lets culminated in one overlooking the sea with uninterrupted view of the ecliptic and I relished the glorious colours of sunrises and sunsets along with views of the Moon and Jupiter. Somewhat spoiled by this, I needed some mental adjustments to my new home. A short walk provides all the views one needs, which will give me an incentive to be up and out in the mornings and evenings. From the front of the house upstairs there are far reaching views to hills and countryside and a more open expanse of sky. This will give me an opportunity to learn a more northerly portion of the constellations. Change often provides opportunities as well as challenges and it is important to not get bogged down by the challenges.
January is a proper winter month yet has more hope than December with the beginnings of more daylight and warmth. Early sightings of bright yellow offer glimpses of the spring to come. Our new garden has delighted with clumps of snowdrops and pretty hellebores. We are looking forward to enjoying the garden and seeing what else is going to emerge.
Karen Hedges
January 2023
Karen Hedges 