Sunday 31 December 2017

Cro's Review of 2017.


2017 began with a long period of sub-zero temperatures, and occasional rain; -6 C was not uncommon during January.


January, of course, also saw the inauguration of President Chump; some were happy, others were not, division between the USA's left and right has never been greater.

In mid-February Lady Magnon left for Australia in anticipation of the arrival of our new grandson. Boo Boo Minor (Micha) was born on March 22nd, and in line with tradition I planted an apple tree to mark the day. Then in late March all my children and grandchildren managed to get together in Australia for a family Jamboree and celebration.


Cricket was played, Koalas and Kangaroos were stroked, and even venomous snakes were handled (by mistake). I stayed behind to look after Europe, and especially our wee corner of it..


Early April seems to have been glorious almost everywhere, and here was no exception. Once again I ignored the fact that frosts can be expected until mid-May, and Haddock's was planted-up regardless. I crossed my fingers, and prayed. The new cruciform layout at Haddock's can now be seen on Google Earth; oh yes!

We did, in fact, have a couple of nights of frost, and the Vines and Walnut trees were nipped; but not my veg' plants.


It was an exceptional month for flowers, and the 'tower' was covered in the most amazing display of Wisteria and Clematis; which is exactly how I'd originally planned it.

Mid year, back in the UK, things were not good. Westminster Bridge, Manchester, London Bridge, the Grenfell Tower fire, and Finsbury Park; the horror stories seemed never ending.


We had expected Summer 2017 to be quiet (last year was the opposite); but it wasn't to be. This otherwise peaceful little outpost became as animated as anywhere else. Friends, family, and a near neighbour's business ambitions kept us on our toes. The boys loved their new 'headquarters'; they even threw a very successful dinner party!

Weather-wise, Summer was a bit hit-n-miss. Had it been non-stop heat I would now be complaining, so a little bit of everything probably suited us quite well, although I expect we moaned at the time.  I should also mention that the pool remained crystal clear all Summer long; fellow pool owners will appreciate my relief on that score.  

                              

So, to round off, it's been a strange year. The UK's Marxists showed their nasty faces at the General Election in early June. Gullible adolescents were given ridiculously false hopes, and amazingly they actually fell for them. It could all have gone so very very wrong. Politically the Brits have a lot to be relieved about, and grateful for; the Yanks were not so lucky. The prospect of seeing the UK as a 'Cuba without the sunshine' is always present; we live in dread.


I'm also pleased to report that the two other members of our family are getting along just fine. They are (at long last) quite good friends.

We will remember 2017 for many things. Kim Jong-Un's juvenile nuclear threats, Hurricanes, and the Las Vegas massacre being just a few. Planet Earth is a very strange place sometimes. In our own tiny sphere, we've had to come to terms with the prospect of having some ridiculous holiday village planted right on our doorsteps. I despair!


I can't sign off without showing you a photo of the newest Magnon. Here he is, the delightful Micha Magnon. He and big brother Boo Boo get on very well together. What a cutie!

That's it for another year. It's been great conversing with you. Let's hope that 2018 will be kind to us all, and I look forward to another 12 months of merriment mayhem and madness.

Cro, and Lady Magnon. xxx



43 comments:

  1. Wishing you and yours a healthy and happy New year. I have found your blog by accident around September and I must say, what a happy accident it was. Thank you.

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    1. Lovely to have you along. Happy New Year, Cro x

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  2. Your choice of photographs make your year look the very best. Delightful young grandson, Bok and almost best friend, that never ending Australian beach, dangerous fun. A year full of joy in your private world. May 2018 bring you and Lady M lots of family visits, contented animals and lots more sunshine

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    1. It wasn't a bad year for us. One or two minor blips, but nothing too serious. All the best to you and your family. Cro x

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  3. What a delightful little munchkin your grandson is! Happy New Year to you and yours, Cro. I'm about to head off to the good neighbours (I have bad ones too!) to share a glass of bubbles or more. xxx

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    1. Little Micha is a real cutie; I think he and his big brother will make a great twosome in time. Champagne again here tonight; then diet (as usual). Very best wishes, Cro x

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  4. Dear Cro thank you for taking us through the year with this post but also thank you for writing your lovely blog every single day of the year.
    Micha is so cute but then all your grandchildren are lovely children!
    Cro, I wish you and Lady M a Happy New Year and all the best for 2018!
    Greetings Maria xxx

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    1. We certainly are blessed with our grandsons; all we need now is a grandDAUGHTER. I wish you good health Maria; very best wishes for 2018. Cro x

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  5. It's been a delight to share your daily reports and pictures through the year. May 2018 be another wonderful year for family Magnon. No to complete the year in traditional fashion here and join the running, jogging, walking hoard going clockwise around the Ringstrasse. Many in fancy dress and many people of all shapes and sizes, with dogs of all shapes and sizes, even a two legged dog with wheels for back legs I've seen running the circuit. Some of them get sausages for prizes. Your four legged friend would love it!

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    1. We always used to play 'Spot the Christmas present' at this time of year. New scarves, hats, gloves, etc; you could spot them a mile off. May I suggest you play this game whilst visiting the Ringstrasse! Best wishes, Cro.

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  6. Happy New Year to you, Lady M, Animals and Readers. All the best for 2018 x

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    1. Many thanks Carol. Let's hope that 2018 will be kind to us all. Cro x

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  7. Boo Boo minor doesn't look like his brother Boo Boo. How different they are. Happy New Year and I look forward to 2018 with you and long live the Tory Party x

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    1. Hallelujah, and bless Mrs May. Fingers crossed for 2018. Cro xx

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  8. Happy new year to you and your lovely family and all the best for 2018.

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    1. Thank you Yael. As usual I wish you PEACE. Cro x

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  9. I have very much enjoyed reading your posts for yet another year. Micha is beautiful. We have a 3rd Grandchild arriving in March. The first for my middle son and DIL. Apparently it is a boy! Wishing you and Lady M, and Bok and puss a very Happy New Year. x

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    1. Merci Frances. The arrival of grandchildren is always a blessing. Cro x

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  10. Lovely photos to end the year. My best wishes for 2018.

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    1. Thanks Andrew, and I hope you get to see the Melbourne Ska Orchestra in 2018. Cro.

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  11. Beautiful photos Cro and isn't Micha a cutie. Wishing you and Lady M a Happy New Year; Rick looks forward to seeing Bok again in the summer.

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    1. I'm sure they'll meet up somewhere, on a woodland track. All the best to you and the family. Cro x

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  12. It looks like a good year at your place Cro. Micha is very handsome, and has your cheeks! Have the best of New Years Cro.

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    1. He probably has my cheek rather than cheeks (or he will have). All the best to you and the family. Cro.

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  13. Wishing you and the Lady M all the best in health and happiness for 2018 and beyond....
    and, of course, enough of the necessary!!
    Next year is when Nick Park releases his film of your life story....
    "Cro Man est un film réalisé par Nick Park"...
    I'm looking forward to that, it should fill in the gaps!!

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    1. Does that mean I have to become Plasticine Man? I'd bounce! Enjoy 2018; Cro x

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  14. Happy New year to you and Lady M. It is always a stellar year when there is a grandchild born. It was a good year for us too.

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    1. I imagine that this one could be our last. My lot seem to have two children each; then stop. Still, six grandchildren ain't bad. Very best wishes to you Jane. Cro x

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  15. I so enjoyed reading the summary of your year! Wishing you and Lady M and all the Magnon family a very happy 2018. Your newest grandson is absolutely so cute, what a darling little face. Thank you for your blog Cro. xx

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    1. I haven't met the newest grandson yet, but am hoping to do so in spring. I can't wait. Very best wishes to you Dani. Cro x

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  16. I love how you ended this post with your new grandson. New life and new beginnings always bring hope for the future. Happy New Year, Cro, to you and your lovely expanding family.

    Arleen

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    1. It's what makes the world keep moving forward. Thank you Arleen. Cro x

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  17. Wishing you and Lady M a very happy and healthy New Year ...... here’s to a wonderful 2018 for all of us ! . XXXX

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    1. I'll drink to that. May 2018 also be peaceful. Cro x

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  18. Hope 2018 bring all good things to you and your family! x

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    1. Thanks Mini.... and may I wish you the same. Cro x

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  19. All the best to you and lady Cro. I hope 2018 brings lots of joy and perhaps a major setback to the terrible holiday complex on your door step. Health, Wealth and Happiness.
    Jean

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    1. My fingers are crossed Jean. I think his project has now been put back a year, but we'll see. Happy new year, Cro x

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  20. Best Wishes to you and yours.
    May 2018 bring us what we need

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    1. I'll go along with that 100%. I've never been a greedy person, I hate waste, and prefer to have 'just enough' of everything. Happy new year to you, and may all your pots be perfect. Cro x

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