Angela is still working at the moment but is due to finish at the end of the month. That said there is talk that her contract may be extended. I am still trying to sell off the odd item on eBay and carry on clearing all of our stuff out from Mum’s loft. It is taking longer than I anticipated but that may be down to me being easily distracted! As I was always told at school, “Dean must try harder” 
Angela and I have been for a few nice walks. Along the River Thames, Shotover around Oxford and from site towards Denton. We managed to meet up with good friends for a meal which was lovely.
We had a lovely family Christmas day at my sister’s which was nice, especially as my niece Hollie and her partner Tom came to stay for a few nights. I was given the role of Father Christmas and handed out all of the presents. The dinner was scrummy as always and we even got to Skype my nephew Dean who is in New Zealand at the moment.
This joyous season has been marred with sadness as my dear old mum at 76 has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She has been so brave bless her, she has been prodded around and has been for various scans to see if it has spread further. Her next appointment is to see the oncologist on (of all days) Friday 13th! This will be a big day as they are going to discuss if it has spread and what the treatment is going to be.
All of us know how horrible this nasty disease and the treatments can be. We are very lucky here in Oxford as it has The Churchill Hospital which is primarily for cancer patients. There are many support groups for sufferers including Maggie’s who also give support to families of those being treated. Let us not forget that there have been some amazing breakthroughs in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment over the last few years.
Fingers crossed for a good outcome and a happy 2017.
