OK - it is my turn now, listen up folks!

That time of year (the end) has come around once more, and somewhat more quickly than many of us were ready for! So, I wanted to take a moment to say a HUGE thank you to each and every member of GC.

This past year has probably been one of the most difficult of my life - some of you know what has been going on (notable thanks to @ARMANDII, @Sheal, @silu, @wiseowl, @shiney, @Zigs, @Marley Farley, @Webmaster & @ricky101 to name but a few) whilst others have only had a glimpse as to the goings on. In short, I have had no less than two cancer scares (one brain tumour, the other thymus cancer) during the course of this year, and have had an [almost] certain diagnosis of Mysathenia Gravis to add into the mix - my health has taken an utter nose-dive in the past 2 years, with the acceleration of my condition(s) increasing in the past year. I am now at the stage where I am taking so many pills (9 tablets in the morning for starters) that I am scared I might shoot someone if I fart......

My employment situation has been fragile at best (I remain on a temporary contract), which has only added to the problems, and like 99.5% of people I have watched prices and costs go up year on year with a declining income.......

BUT, through all of this, there has been two MASSIVE constants - my family, of course, being the first and foremost. The second, are the good people of GC.

If you have read this far, this is the important bit - - THANK YOU for being you; THANK YOU for your company, friendship and general camaraderie over this past year. You may not have even been aware of the effect that your posts, and company, have had; I can sincerely assure you the effect has been VAST.

I was lucky enough to make Shineyland this year for the first time (emphasis on the first, as it definitely isn't the last!) and in addition to meeting the most warm-hearted and generous @shiney and Mrs Shiney, I was blessed with being able to put faces to many names (and even got an early preview of @Beckie76's bush! , whilst @"M" educated me on the finer points of Asparagus!).

I cannot overemphasise this enough - you are ALL amazing, warm, friendly people and I consider myself truly blessed to know each of you in one way or another.

I wish every single GC member the very happiest, and the most prosperous of New Year's - may your every wish be fulfilled in 2018!

 

Mrs Shiney and I wish you all the very best for the New Year.

We hope that your health problems are sorted out soon and that your job future settles down properly (your employers need a very good, new year, kick up the backside ).

Despite all your problems you have remained cheerful, have given a lot of time to your GC friends and have been extremely helpful and generous with all your superb technical know how.

Even when you came down to Shineyland to spend an enjoyable and relaxing day with the GC crowd you were still willing to help when there was a technical, computer/electronic problem with the sound system. I watched you do your amazing magic on the computer where you asked the singer what the problem was and your fingers flew over the keyboard whilst a load of incomprehensible numbers and words scrolled up the screen at high speed. Within minutes you had sorted the problem out and the performers were able to go ahead as though there had been no panic behind the scenes. They also send their best wishes.

I've left @Sheal to do the nagging

 

Bless you all, and thank you again We never know what is around the corner, so here's hoing that 2018 holds some nice surprises and successes for us all - and hopefully some good weather so we can have our gardens looking lovely!