Sadie in a Stable.

Seasonal eh! seeing as how Christmas is just round the corner.  Actually it is not exactly a Stable rather a former, large agricultural livestock building. Now a log store and general storage barn which on this cold and stormy December night is a welcome refuge for Sadie, Tanya and I. It is the first time since I have owned Sadie she has spent a night under cover. We are snug and warm here and very appreciative of our hosts kindness and generosity.

I have known Richard and Lesley from way back when I used to travel the length and breadth of Gloucestershire selling farm equipment. They were wonderful hosts and we spent many a lunch hour enjoying food, chat and putting the world to rights. We even, on rare, in fact very rare, occasions deigned to discuss farm equipment. Richard, however was far too canny a customer to be 'sold to'.

Well, I suppose I might, if I arrived at the right time, had the right piece of equipment, at the right price, paid extortionately for his old equipment and did'nt want paying for months, then I might just make a sale. Only might mind you. There was never any guarantee. Such was a sales reps lot. Especially when dealing with farmers who by their very nature happen to be some of the most skilled dealers, manipulators and negotiators I have had the pleasure to associate with. They make some of the highly paid professional buyers of large organisations look like amateurs in comparison.

I am in this area on the Christmas card run. A few days out from Salisbury to personally deliver a few cards and meet old friends and aquaintances. Slightly more expensive a delivery than the fifty pence for a second class stamp but far more rewarding.

To all my good friends, colleagues and family who have not had a visit from me. Merry Christmas to you all and please be patient. I will get to visit you one day even though as I travel my list of friends complete with promises to visit gets longer and longer and spreads over a Europe wide area.

So, glasses raised, and from me a warm non alcoholic toast to say; Seasons greetings along with good health and happiness for 2013 to all family, friends and my blog readers. You have all touched my heart during 2012 with your encouragement, comments, warmth and love.

Thank you.