New Years Eve

As we leave this old year behind, I wish everyone who visits WFVM, a very happy and peaceful 2018

'In the walled garden' 
illustration by granddaughter 'P'

Over the Christmas season our youngest Granddaughter 'R' has brought my attention to the excessive and increasing amount of Palm Oil that is being included in our diets along with many domestic items found in our shopping baskets.
As a result I aim to check all product labels carefully during the coming year to see what they contain. If they have Palm Oil in them, I will not purchase - you may be as surprised as I was at just how many items there are. The writing on the labels is tiny so I shall have to carry my little pocket magnifying glass which I use to identify silver hallmarks.

Palm Oil is a huge source of profits for multinational corporations, whilst at the same time destroying the livelihoods of smallholders. It causes the displacement of indigenous peoples, rainforest destruction and loss of wildlife; it is the main threat to the survivial of the orangutan population. These changes in our biodiversity are all the consequence of our palm oil consumption. 
Here are a few of the products which may have Palm Oil in them,  and that is why I shall be looking carefully at their labels. 

Happy Christmas to you All

The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown,
Of all the trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown.
The rising of the sun.

And the running of the deer,
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing in the choir. 

Winter Wonderland

 Arrived safely at The White Hart Inn and enjoyed a tasty festive evening meal. After breakfast the following morning, we discovered that the snow was already in retreat from the High Street.


However, the countryside view at the back of the Inn told a very different story. 

 The roads were mostly clear for the return journey home, unlike the day before. Then we encountered several hazards - apart from snow on the roads, there were some abandoned vehicles and large fallen branches unable to take the weight of the snow.

I don't normally relish snowy weather, but this was exceptional for our area, and much enhanced by wonderful skies and brilliant sunshine. A pair of cosy boots, warm coat, scarves and gloves found us ready to enjoy a walk.

Back home the Christmas tree in the garden looked lovely. This was a tiny tree when purchased nearly 20 years ago.

The late afternoon sun created a wonderful finale to the day. It lit up the snow and ice covered branches which twinkled like thousands of fairylights.

Winter has arrived

Like a thief in the night winter slipped in quietly taking us by surprise. It is 5 years since we last saw snow on this hilltop, and never before so early.

 We have a pre-booked Christmas night away at an inn, fortunately not too far. The journey could be intrepid, but hopefully all will be well. Fingers crossed, see you again on our return. 

☃ 

To Be or Not to Be continued....

 The comments received on the previous post were very helpful - thank you.

 Some thought that we might be putting ourselves in a dangerous situation or be compromised by what we might see, but fortunately that was never an issue.
It was the ethical situation only that gave us concerns. However, several blogger friends rightly pointed out that across the ages there are many countries that have a less than perfect record concerning their human rights. I only have to read the history of my own country to know that is correct.
We will continue to mull over the situation until the New Year, and then we will make a decision. 

To Be or Not to Be!

Are our codes of conduct decided as we journey through life, or are they instilled in us from childhood?

We personally are currently facing an ethical dilemma!

There is a country that we have talked about visiting for years, and now an opportunity has arisen. However, since making up our minds to go, the current regime is treating a section of the population in a way that makes our blood run cold.

Do we go or stay away? 
Of course there are two sides to this coin as many other people in this country rely solely on visitors for their livelihoods - cooks, cleaners, farmers, shops, drivers, guides.

If you have been faced with similar challenges what decision did you make?