Christmas 2024

Dear Friends

2024 is nearly over and I can’t think what to put. Something must have happened, surely?

And then I remember, as I pop my teeth back in and pat my curly grey hair – I am a grandmother! And of truly the most wonderful child in the world! Little Leon was born to Josie and Jacob in August, and is hell-bent on not being little for too much longer. I am impressed beyond measure at how well his parents look after him – we had him for three hours, and were hurling him back by the end. But I’m sure we’ll improve, once he can eat sweeties and watch TV, it will all be so much easier. Jacob the Dog will probably be able to look after him then!

In non-Leon-related news, I have finally published a book, the aim of a lifetime! If you haven’t yet read ‘An Improbable Psychiatrist’, then you should and please write a review. It’s a cheery page-turner, I’ve been told, ideal for Christmas presents.

Clara has moved to London after some months of intrepid travelling, and is now working with a company making non-alcoholic beer (what is the point of this, you of a certain age may ask? Ask her!). But she seems to be enjoying life to the full, as well as running half-marathons and the like. I can only conclude that the sinful habits of my youth now label one as a middle-aged loser.

Elinor is in her final year of grad medical school, and seems to know an awful lot more than me. Although, I suppose, on reflection, that this is just as well, you would expect a nearly qualified doctor to know more than an aged psychiatrist about the inner workings of the body and medicine. I’m more of a mind person, really.

I’m glad that Josie, Jacob and little Leon are back in Edinburgh, and opportunities to see them are plentiful. It has been said that Leon likes his grandpa (Richard) a lot. Nothing’s been mentioned about his nana, but he will get to like me when the above-mentioned sweeties are introduced, which will be quite soon.

Richard continues to work pretty much all the time, probably made easier by the fact that much of this seems to be spent in coffee shops or having lunch. I’m starting to worry what it will be like when (if) he retires, he could get right under my feet. So I’m encouraging him to get involved in local affairs, maybe even politics. Or at least hobbies. So far he’s made the committee of the Open Orchestra. We both recently performed with this group of musicians in a rather wonderful performance of Sibelius’ second symphony (in that we all ended at the same time, and there were some unfeasibly good moments). We’re looking forward to going on tour to Iceland in May!

As well as my literary endeavours, I continue to work part-time as a psychiatrist. Who knows how long for? It’s entirely at the whim of my mood, so let’s hope I don’t find myself with my resignation papers in front of me and my fountain pen uncapped any day soon. I have a lot of great colleagues I would miss, and I hope it’s mutual.

However what I really need to do is start another book. One born, one gestating, and another but a twinkle in my eye is ideal; I’m glad I didn’t apply that to having children, mind. But I’ve got empty nest syndrome since my improbable psychiatrist became probable, and I need some ideas. Or some dodgy family secrets..

Otherwise, no plans for 2025. Maybe a nice saga cruise holiday, but I’ll be on my own because Richard’s principles don’t allow such trips. But I’m sure there will be lots of desperate elderly gentleman on board, so perhaps that won’t matter.

Finally, the dogs are still alive, although I’m not sure I’d rate Lola’s chances for next year. The words ‘good innings’ have been mentioned rather too many times for comfort recently. Jacob (the Dog) lives on with his many problems, including Addison’s, anxiety and his ongoing fixation with pine cones. I’m not sure how he’ll cope with the Christmas tree.

So – May the Bread Sauce be With You!

Happy Christmas and a Merry New Year!

(I’ve long wondered why it’s never this way round, and hope to set a new trend!)

Love from Rebecca and Richard

(and any other associated Tippers/ Lawrences) XXXXX