My dear friends and faithful readers!

Another eventful year has almost come to a close.

2016 has been a bad year for me. My family and friends got decimated by the month, and there were times when I didn't want to look at my e-mails for fear that another long-standing member of my circle had died.

And don't even get me started on Brexit, and the US American election.  Truly, in 2016 a lot of suppressed anger, frustration, and downright nastiness came out from under the rocks.

I have felt tired and exhausted for much of this year, and came down with any number of colds and digestive ailments - the sort of thing one gets when one is feeling under the weather and emotionally spent, rather than anything serious and long-term.

I have not been in the mood for blogging, or indeed for much else.

To sort myself out a little I have decided to take some drastic action, and go on a fasting cycle - five days a month for six months running.  This is supposed to renovate my immune system. If you are interested, try these links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGafhm1cuSI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuJj52twOdo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFCNFVZDz6Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNdWCZWpjxU

And one in German:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epMRBGKtllY

And one in French:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQhWFrjeRVg

So hopefully things will improve soon, both for myself and for the world in general.

I am spending this Christmas quietly at home, thinking of all the friends and relatives I have lost this year.  The fasting helps with this - it calms my mind, and goes well with the sense of loss and sadness I feel.

A very merry Christmas to everyone, and especially to lost and absent friends – you know who you are.  If you are happy I am happy, and if you are not get in touch when you can.  Take care of yourself and remember you are loved - the door of my heart will always be open to you.