Yipee! It's 2013

Yes, it's that time of year again when everyone seems to make predictions about and resolutions for the New Year. For what they are worth, here are my thoughts. Nothing original, I'm afraid, as they are very similar to those of previous years. Plus ca change.

I suppose, as we say goodbye to 2013, we can take some comfort that we come to our last full year of Posh Dave's pack of scoundrels before we are faced with arguably the most important election for a generation. So take heart my friends. Push those shoulders back, lift those chins high and steady your hands for this is no time to lose your nerve. There is still plenty of work to be done and battles to be fought, for faint hearts and weak minds will never win the day. So as we enter 2014 together remember....
''There maybe troubles ahead
But as long. as there is music and moonlight and love and romance
Lets face those Tories and dance".

But we should not forget what is going on elsewhere in the world. We are not alone in facing huge issues and, compared with many, many others, our trials and tribulations are insignificant. Notwithstanding all of our local doom and gloom, there will be many good things about 2014 that we should not lose sight of. Here are a few from me: add your own to the list.

* The sun will rise and set every day.
* Most people will eat, laugh and love more than they are hungry, cry and hate.
* The world around us will continue to provide immense pleasure to those who take time to experience it.
* Many people will practice unsolicited random acts of kindness.
* Communities and organisations will continue to work together and make the lives of many immeasurably better.
* Most of us will continue to relish the companionship and support of our network of family and friends.
* Children will be born and received into the arms of loving parents.
* Most of us will still be around this time next year.
* Healthcare professionals will successfully treat millions of us for a wide variety of illnesses and diseases.
* Other public service professionals and employees will continue to keep us safe and contribute to our good standard standard of living.

Each of us can accomplish something worthwhile in 2014: let's give it a go. And that brings us neatly to the subject of resolutions - but more of these in a future post.