Twenty Three going on Twenty Four

Sat here writing this blogpost as the sun sets on 2023 and before some merriment (plus a drink or two ahead this evening) I’d like to wish those that read my little blog a Happy New Year and hope that you have all had enjoyable festive seasons.

Reflecting upon on the year just gone, 2023 hasn’t been as productive on the model making front as I would have liked and I’m intending on changing that in the new year. Productivity and the modelling mojo took a big hit following the unexpected passing of my good mate Neil back in May. Turns out that our many and varied discussions were very useful in keeping my modelling mojo going and I shall be raising a glass to absent friends later on this evening. 

This last month has seen two of us suffer a Covid style lurgy, my cough in just about going now after 30 days, the resultant disturbed nights, constant coughing and lack of energy meant that almost no modelling was done in December. 

But, having enjoyed a very relaxing week away for Christmas in Wales, with family and friends, bracing sea air and some steam engine therapy on Boxing Day. I’m feeling refreshed ahead of the new year and getting back into everyday life with a desire to get back to the modelling desk.

Boxing Day- about the only day this week when it didn’t rain! Spent an enjoyable day driving on the Talyllyn Railway, my last turn on No 6 ‘Douglas’ before its boiler ticket expires next month. We were the first train on the top half of the line for a week which made for some interesting rail conditions. But we made it there and back with the greatest drama being a lack of water at Dolgoch. Which meant using the rarely used supply at Abergynolwyn as captured here.