a fairground life(another years end)

Well folk's, another year draws to an end. It brings on that feeling of sentiment, of looking back and I can't help noticing that the road ahead is unfortunately shorter than the road behind. So while I'm looking back on this year, what's the verdict?

The obvious measuring stick (for most) would be business, but that's not the A all and B all of a year. If there is one thing I've learned it's no matter how good the start is or the end, it all evens out, hence the statement "swings and roundabouts". Its the simpler things that make the difference to the year and here they are for me.

Time spent in the shed re-vamping the tackle, that gave a quiet satisfaction and reduced this years maintenance time.

A few days in Marbella during the open season, Sacrilege!!, but that hot tub on the veranda was ace.

Good weather and the DZ making a debut appearance at the Drymen show.

R passing both HGV classes first time, a better man than me, I needed 2 attempts at my class 1. What a difference to my work load and will open up more possibilities in the future no doubt.

Getting onto Bellshill Street fair at a sensible time!! Cheered me up no end.

New Horizons, The Black Isle show and being in the SECC. The latter is early days, but who knows, it may become something more in the future.That means I have opened equipment in all three of Scotlands centres-Ingliston,Aberdeen &Glasgow.

Finally moving into the house and realising a childhood dream- my own pool table!( mrs showman was upset with my definition of a POOL room, wondered why she bought all them towels)

All family members healthy and accounted for.

Bitter sweet moment of the year was selling the wagon, glad to see it go from a financial point but knowing my life style was about to undergo a major change, am I no longer a TRUE  travelling showman?

Worst moments... Hmm, a couple spring to mind, the first was when the DZ did the ballrace in at the Black Isle show. I was under pressure that day and the next if I couldn't get it up and running for the hire.

Gas Oil and Derv hitting record high prices.

Impulse buying that ruddy stupid Kan't' goo van, oh well.

IF you're reading this and thinking what pathetic, pishy reasons to grumble about, then I guess it really has been a good year and I sincerely hope your years complaints are equally pathetic.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!