There’s snow on the ground and fog in the air.
Only a little snow, merely a dusting. Only a little fog, let’s call it mist.
I recently hoped aloud that 2023 would be better than 2022. Well, in the last couple of weeks I’ve been to the funeral of an ex-work colleague, lost a lad my wife and I have known since the 80’s, and spent the whole night in hospital at the bedside of my wife’s uncle before he passed away yesterday, his brother and nephew with him while I grabbed a couple of hours sleep.
We are not even out of January yet.
But City Jackdaw can’t only be a list of unfortunate and tragic events. We’d all need therapy.
We all need balance.
As the year goes on there’s other stuff going on. There’s plans to make. Projects to complete, projects to begin. Children to lead through this patchwork of emotions we call life.
Winter only lasts so long. There’s new light coming.
City Jackdaw 
Am sure you’re right but looking out the window at 8am. Into the depressingly grey skies, the snow falling does not fill me with the same joy as it did as a child. But THINGS, CAN ONLY GET BETTER, YEH!!
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Just keep that warm sunshine in mind. It’s coming!
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I’ve just finished writing a biography of the Manchester author, journalist and reformer William E A Axon (1846-1913). He had his tragedies but was always determined to be cheerful. And he suffered in Manchester weather! This one of his poems which I thought might help
WINTER
Gray days of December,
How swift is your flight,
How late is the dawning
How early the night!
How heavy the rain-cloud,
How cold is the snow!
Yet the seeds of the flowers
Are stirring below.
And Winter’s cold hand
Holds the promise of Spring.
Dark days of December,
Glad tidings you bring!
Thank you for all your posts which I really enjoy and hope rest of 2023 is better for you.
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Thank you Lucy. Yes, that poem seems quite apt. Axon seems an interesting character. I’ve just read his short obituary in the Times, and had a quick glance at his Lancashire Gleanings online. Dipping into it, the first thing that I saw was a mention of my town, Middleton, and took that as a sign! I intend to give it a read.
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Hi Andy, He was fascinating writer and such a lovely, kind man too. I’m hoping that my book might be freely available online in 2024. It’s far too long but I’ve designed it for skipping. I did a blog and podcast on him for Manchester Centre Public History and Heritage site if you want a bit more info. https://mcphh.org/2021/07/09/discovering-william-edward-armytage-axon-1846-1913-one-of-the-busiest-men-in-manchester-samuel-laycock-dialect-poet/
His poem The Ancoats Skylark means a lot to me as I went to school in West Gorton. Hope you enjoy Lancashire Gleanings, Best wishes, Lucy
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Thanks for the link. He certainly appears to have been a prolific writer! And a Mancunian we need to know more about.
PS I love old Ancoats-many branches of my ancestors lived/worked/died there.
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It has seemed a particularly drab and dreary start to the year for all sorts of reasons. Here’s wishing that new light gets a move on!
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We are ready!
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Andy, that is a difficult beginning to any month or year. Sitting with a dyeing loved one is both an immense privilege and hard. Loosing so many in such a brief time is nearly unthinkable. May the year bring you joy and renewal.
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And to you too, Michael.
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Andy, after I saw your gracious reply I began to think about the three death vigils I have sat: my father, and two beloved fathers-in-law. I was unable to be with my dad when he actually died but was with him for a few days before. My two fathers-in-law died at home so we were with them till the end, although both times I was not in the room at the moment of death. Each death was as kind as they get and I am glad I could be there. Still, none was easy for those of us who remained, yet those beloved remain present for us, along with a much love cat we had to put down and his brother. Time seems to have no impact on that. May it be so for you.
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We all want a kind death. One of ease and dignity.
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Fingers crossed you’ll have an less stressful February. Onward to Spring.
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February is almost upon us 🙂
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