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<h2>Looking back...</h2>
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<p>At this time of year most of us are looking back to the past year and forward to what is to come. It would be simplifying my life to say all is well. It is impossible to forget the most catastrophic event in my life when Jane died. As time goes by it does become easier and meeting a new partner (girlfriend, significant other, or whatever best fits) has given me a better view of the future. Jane helped to make me who I am and thankfully Mary appreciates this fact which has strengthened our relationship.</p>
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<h2>And so to the future...</h2>
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<p>No doubt Mary and I will continue to "<a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="live apart together (opens in a new tab)" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Living_apart_together" target="_blank">live apart together</a>" - apparently this is becoming quite common. We will be celebrating our first year of meeting each other in early January. Through the first five months of the year we shall be spending at least one week per month away: cottage Robin Hood's Bay; cottage in Dorset; friends in the Scottish Highlands and the family holiday in Wales. These holiday plans extend to June so I need to work out what I'm going to do for the rest of the year.</p>
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<p>I did consider changing the Mazda CX5 as it approaches the two and half year mark but I think I will keep it until it is at least 3 years old (October) as it is very comfortable, easy to drive but a little thirsty. The Mazda MX5 is no Porsche Boxster but it is a lot of fun and  more economical than the CX5 despite my heavy right foot.</p>
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<p>I've started planning the vegetable plot and I hope the summer will not be so harsh as last year. Like most people my vegetables suffered due to a lack of water despite my best efforts to soak them using the rainwater harvesting system. There's also a corner of the garden, where one of the sycamores used to be, that needs to be completely redesigned and replanted. I just need to find the motivation (that elusive motivation) to get out there and just do it.</p>
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<p>2019 will be my final year as Chairman of <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="West Wolds U3A (opens in a new tab)" href="http://www.westwoldsu3a.org" target="_blank">West Wolds U3A</a>. I will continue to sit on the committee but I'm sure I will miss the role. It will give me time to devote to other activities such as beekeeping. I'm planning to join a local beekeepers association, get some hands on training in the spring with a view to getting my own hive in the spring of 2020.</p>
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<p><strong>I hope you, my readers, have a healthy and happy 2019 and let's hope we get to meet each other at some point in the near future.</strong></p>
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