I'm not the biggest fan of Facebook or any other social media outlet for
that matter but I can see its uses so from time to time I post a few lines 
that you may find useful or even interesting.

Another year nearly done and what an unpleasant yer it has been.

It started off with Jan's brother having a nasty health scare, various bugs, 
rail strikes spoiling weekends away and then loosing Kraken.

At least by December Jan's brother seems to be well on the mend and out of danger.

As for loosing Kraken there's not a day goes by without me reaching out a hand 
to stroke those ears that are no longer there, after having a dog by my
side for 38 years I feel that part of me died with him.

People keep asking how long it will likely be before I get another dog which 
I'm sad to say will still be a good while, maybe still in years rather than 
months.  On top of that there is wide spread concern with the guide dog owner community 
about the standard of the dogs being offered to clients both in quality of 
trainging and physical condition of the animals; happy, confident,
healthy dogs work best!

Before moving on from guide dogs, I've not heard a word from them since 
Kraken's death - tells a lot I think.

At least the garden railway events went well with people enjoying rides round
and raising a nice chunk for charity into the bargain - thanks to all my friends 
who help out at these events without them it would not be possible.

Plans for next year are already taking shape, hoping to have 3 weekends 
when we look forward to seeing lots of you.

Have a very happy Christmas and a peaceful new year.