A Seasonal Post

As the weekend is almost upon us, and the demands of the festive season begin to take hold, I would like to send a festive greeting to everyone that I come into contact with; on this blog, and occasionally, by e mail too. I have often posted about fickle followers, and lack of comments, but this time, it is all positive. The great community that I feel a part of, thanks to this blog, I thank you all. Not just for a great year in 2013, but for all your inspiration, some reblogs, and for giving me the desire to keep the blog going, and to keep writing. You stretch across this planet, from a few miles away from my house, to the deserts of the USA, the mountains of Canada, and the storm-ravaged Philippines. Australia and New Zealand feature also, as does New England, California, The American South, and the Pacific North-West. From Europe, I am able to welcome Poland, France, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria, as well as Germany Italy, and Spain. And I do not forget those of you here, all over the UK, north and south, Scotland, and Ireland.

Thank you all, a Merry Christmas to you and yours, whatever your beliefs, and a happy 2014 to everyone.

Here is your ‘roll of honour’, with apologies to anyone missed out, and I do know there are a few.

Dina and KB, our German residents of Norfolk, Eddy and Gosia, in Poland, and sometimes, Jersey. The Witch of Endor, sorely missed, Amy from Bradford, Jude from Shropshire, and Mari, the Finnish Canadian. Niall, also in Canada, but Irish, and Jim Curnow, the antipodean film buff extraordinaire. Jaypot, still awaiting surgery, and Arlene, who has survived hers. NivalaDiva, still there from the early days, as is Lesley Carter. Phil from California, wearing summer clothes all year, and campaigning for a better understanding of Diabetes,  and David, enjoying life in the Mojave Desert, publishing his books. Sue, too busy to blog right now, Bill White, and Rickoulette, American film buffs. Gretchen, enduring cold and snow, as she works on her paintings in New England, and Jimmy, keeping up with his new found love of photography, in good old London. My old and dear friends, Brian and Roland, who I have known for almost 45 years now. Antony, ex-colleague, friend, and ace photographer. Rich Lakin in Staffordshire, great writer, and now getting published too. Gingerfightback in the UK, winning the war against ‘gingerism’, and Rob, ex-pat in New Zealand, whose occasional comments are always eagerly anticipated. Tracey, living the dream the hard way, in the inhospitable Hebridean Islands, cooking her delicious recipes, and combatting the elements daily. Catbird, from America, who popped in to say hello, as did Grumpytyke, from the dark north. Sophie, one of my first, and best blogging friends, not currently blogging, as she has lots to deal with. I look forward to seeing her back one day. Theenglishprofessoratlarge, still out there somewhere, and Jim Cassidy, former mentor, and valued friend. Pete and Jim Medway, father and son, and both old friends; in one case, for 51 years! Andreea, transplanted from Romania, to a new life in the USA, and not always an easy one. Cary’s Blog, who kindly reblogged some posts, as did Mike Sivier, of Vox Political, and Prole Center, campaigning for the working classes, over in America.

Stevie P, who went to the same school, at the same time, and I didn’t even know him. Ed Mooney, compiling a record of Ireland’s history in photographs, and Sethsnap, doing something similar, over in the USA. Steve, who used to work in the LAS in London, and hasn’t got back in touch, and Melv, who gave some medical advice that was welcomed, as did James Mee, on the same subject. Debs, my former colleague, who rarely comments, so it is all the better when she does. Veryenglishteaparty, your absence is missed; as is the similar disappearance of youngemt95, who is busy following his dream to become a paramedic in America. Olivia Stocum, author of historical fiction and romance, and Kira, also from the US, who gave valuable advice about skin allergies. Canalcook, for the one appreciated comment, and HJS777, doing her best at university. Rebecca2000, from the first days, an original lady, still going strong in America; Jumbledwriter, and Bottledworder too. Ian Letts, musical compiler of excellence, and DJ of note, and The Fine Duchess, also musically inclined. Damyanti, who has been around this blog since it started, and purplesunscreen, who seems to have vanished. My dear cousins, Kim, Sue, Keith, and Paul, all of whom have supported the blog in many ways. The Girl and Anita and Andy, all contributors to comments, and ideas. Solarbeez, ecology lifestyler, and film fan, and Skyose, still going strong, less than three miles away from here.

Then there are the former writers of comments, now sadly departed, at least from my blog. Matt Gadjos, talented cartoonist, maggiemurphy, and Nachthawk, a dog-lover. Stilllearning2B, she is probably still learning somewhere, and Shimky, film blogger, and follower of both my blogs. Karen Potruff who commented five times, then left, presumably forever. Wyeldconverse, former new blogger, music and film fan, also long gone, as has Opinionated Miscellany, never heard from again. Rupert Sheldon, intelligent Norfolk commenter, but just the once. Similarly, Gorilla Bananas, and thinkinglazy. One-time colleague of much respect, Shaun, far too busy to keep up the communication, and kibbled, irked by my inaccurate generalisations. Old mate Mark, and thedreamjournaltoday, inspired by one post each, but sadly no others. Anna Marie, with an interesting Gravatar, Jessielandsel, and Chess Master Arne, super intelligent German. Gragsey, my workmate Graeme, and Boyce, old and dear friend, just the few comments each. Jordana, lady of kindness and sympathy, Readers Cafe, London lovers, and ameliab, who liked statistics. Hadleigh, whose caustic comments were amusing, Billy and Tony V, great friends, absent commenters. Steve Bro, just the one reblog (thanks anyway). Johnny, Gill, and Billy P, no longer appearing on beetleypete. Thanks to you all and you are always welcome back, anytime.

Last, but not least, my lovely wife, Julie. She has read my blog, commented on posts, and put up with hours of typing, long into the night. She has encouraged me, praised me, and has even been surprised by my writing. I wouldn’t have carried on, without her love and support. I owe her a great deal more than thanks.

The above names, (and some are quirky, don’t you think?) are those who have commented. There are many more who have not, but instead choose to follow in silence. I thank them also, and wish them well, if they are indeed still following, as if not, they will never see this. I look forward to more new followers next year, and lots more comments, from all of the above. My thanks, and very best wishes to you all. Pete.

(And before you rush to tell me, I know that ‘commenters’ is not a word. I made it up.)