Looking back on January my lingering impression is of the cold. This is, of course, to be expected, it being winter in the UK. Perhaps getting older I am inclined to notice it. Or perhaps my increasing reluctance to drive a car has forced me outside more than is usual for the time of year if I am to get to the places I need to go.
These places include my older two children’s houses. I like to feel useful so offer my services if a large delivery is to be accepted or a tradesman let in. I have struggled to stay warm on the bicycle I rely on for transport. I have also encountered floods this month resulting in soggy socks when the water has been higher than pedal height.
Another outing to be faced whatever the weather throws at us is parkrun – which we do by choice. The increasing tendency by the met office to issue weather warnings appears to have generated an abundance of caution in the core teams who are responsible for organising these events – although big thanks to each and every one of the volunteers for their efforts week on week. So far we have managed to find an event to attend although not always the one planned. Saturday mornings are spent scrolling parkrun Facebook pages seeking cancellation notices and alternatives that are still on. Thankfully, our local parkrun rarely cancels. I will plod through their muddy field rather than not take part.
I posted a run report for just the one event this month: Marlborough Common – Winter Edition.
I also posted a run report for the race I and my elder two children took part in just before Christmas, the Hullavington Secret Santa 10. I also posted my first running shoe review, for a new pair I received under the Christmas tree, the ASICS Novablast 5. I intend to write more of these as I test other new shoes awaiting use.
Also under the Christmas tree was a new bear. This inspired Edward to explore festivities and found family.
As well as running I have returned to strength training at the gym and am trying hard to make this a habit. I enjoy this exercise but it is hard and therefore too easy to avoid!
I posted reviews for 8 books in January, a good mix of new publications and titles that had been lingering on my TBR shelves. You may click on each title below if interested in reading my review.
Fiction
The Wilderness by Samantha Harvey, published by Vintage
Lie of the Land by Kerry Hadley-Pryce, published by Salt
Mary I: Queen of Sorrows by Alison Weir, published by Headline
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith, published by Penguin
The Inheritance by Cauvery Madhaven, published by HopeRoad
Short Stories
Your Sons and Your Daughters are Beyond by Rosie Garland, published by Fly on the Wall Press
Non Fiction
Brainspotting by A.J. Lees, published by Notting Hill Editions
Precipitation by Ailsa Cox with artwork by Patrician Farrell, published by Cōnfingō
Sourcing the Books
A couple of books arrived in the post, one of which I read immediately and thoroughly enjoyed.
As ever I wish to thank all who send me their books to review – the arrival of book post remains a cheering event in my day.
My thanks also to those who share my words across their social media platforms – whichever ones you are now using – your support is always appreciated. I am no longer on Twitter but you may find me on Instagram and Threads.
As I say often, and to everyone reading this, I wish you and yours good health and fine days. May the new year be kind to you as it continues, and may you find many good books to read.
