Taken from Lynne’s weekly column ‘Green Scene’ for the Western Mail
11th December 2021
Booked Up
Thank you to the lovely reader who pointed out that although I have used the last couple of columns to recommend Christmas presents, I have omitted to mention my own books, which are for sale on Amazon.
I have never been very good at the self-promotional malarkey but here goes – you can either just tap ‘Lynne Allbutt Amazon’ into Google or go to my website www.lynneallbutt.co.uk and click on Lynne’s Books which will take you to the Amazon page.
All the books’ descriptions are available online to read as well as the ‘Look inside’ option. And hopefully there will be another two to choose from next year.
Thank you in anticipation.
Tree’s Up
The first weekend of December is apparently the most popular weekend for putting up the Christmas tree, although this year I think a lot have gone up earlier in an attempt to lift the spirits.
If you are displaying a cut tree indoors, always choose one before it is netted (and dispose of the netting carefully, keeping it away form wildlife please) so you can check it is a good shape and not already dropping its needles. A lot of Christmas trees are cut in October and kept in cold storage to enable suppliers to keep up with demand, so it’s just possible a few won’t have been stored properly and will be shedding needles before you get it home.
Once home, cut the net off and let your tree ‘relax’ somewhere cool and dry before bringing it into the house. Cut an inch or two off the base of the truck and stand in water to let it drink. Bringing it straight into a hot house can encourage it to ‘throw off it’s needles’, just as you would throw off your coat.
If at all possible stand your tree in water to display too, but it must be safe and secure. The last thing you want is it falling over and spilling the water everywhere. A 6ft tree will get through up to 2 pints of water a day, so be prepared to keep it topped up to keep the needles in the best health. Some people use lemonade to ‘feed’ their tree or apparently sugar in the water will help too – but that’s even more reason to make sure it doesn’t get knocked over. Try not to position right next to a radiator or wood burner for obvious reasons.
There have been various trends for non-real Christmas trees over the years. Popular colours have included black and even pink, a few years ago wooden trees were all the rage – a little ironic really – and most recently there was a market for upside-down trees displayed from the ceilings. Apparently face masks were ‘glittered up’ used as decorations by some ‘trendy-types’ last year – and I’m sure no one expected them to still be in use a year on.
It’s true that we never know what’s around the corner – and for something ‘global’, the world seem to have a lot of corners …
Creative Christmas
A few weeks ago a friend asked if I could get her a few lengths of willow as she was going to make her own tree. Angela is particularly creative and has made various snuffle mats and other treat based toys for Yogi.
Last week she sent me a photo of her tree – and I think you’ll agree it is a fabulous alternative to a ‘traditional‘ one and/or a great alternative if you haven’t got much room.
Another equally-as-creative-but-in-another-way friend made me laugh when she admitted to suggesting to her daughter that she should wrap small empty boxes and put them under the Christmas tree. If her (young and excitable) kids play up before Christmas then she should just throw one of the presents (aka empty box) on to the fire or in the bin.
I do love my very diverse friends.
Date For The Diary
And thank you to my generous (and diverse) friends – and many others – who have donated such generous raffle prizes to Velindre Cancer Centre’s Fundraising ‘Afternoon Tea’ at Bedwellty House and Park in Tredegar on the 15th January.
After speaking at an event for this fabulous Charity earlier this year, it’s nice to be asked to speak again. As my Nan used to say, “It’s always nice to be asked – but much nicer to be asked back.”
It will be a lovely relaxed and friendly afternoon and a great way to start the New Year.
There are still a few tickets left – please contact Janine Price to book on 07974465020 or at janineprice@flp.com – and I hope to see you there.
Happy Christmas to Me
I have passed another two exams at college and now only have my final practical to do before qualifying as a personal trainer. I’ve worked hard – not just at learning but at retaining what I’ve learned, thanks to a menopausal memory. But two years ago, mid-menopause, when I thought I was ‘going mad’ and very likely to hurt myself or someone else (depending on the day), I wouldn’t even have believed or entertained the idea of going back into the classroom. It just goes to show that ‘anything is possible’ and as a good friend kept reminding me at the time – ‘You will get through this.’
I’ve just got to keep everything in balance now. I’ve also been training quite hard physically on top of work and college, and have been ‘rewarded’ with a lung infection. Possibly not helped by having COVID in February and subsequently diagnosed with ‘long COVID’. Anyway, I have to go for some lung function tests next week – I’m sure they weren’t on my list to Santa.
A couple of years ago it would have bent me all out of shape and I would have been on a right downer, but wisdom does seem to have caught up with age. The key to learning is to pay attention – and in this case my body is the teacher. I realise that I underestimate the amount of stress working outdoors at this time of year (and studying on top of that) puts on my body, so have just enlisted guidance from a top coach, Adrian Woods. It’s also a good reminder that we all need a bit of help sometimes and Adrian will help me adapt my training regime to accommodate my other commitments. All of which, of course, will only help me be a better personal trainer in the future.
‘The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.’
Thank you for being there, I have many health difficultirs and so can relate to sime of your wisdom. Ta xxxx