Ours are in large plastic boxes. Our primary risk to books is fish moths (silverfish), so they are stored with moth balls. Not ideal to have books infused with chemicals, but so far we've not found another good solution.

@Ditto I can't imagine how rough it must be for you. Wishing that you can find a way out.

This question has really thrown me – I’ve done a lot in the last year, but have I really accomplished anything? There’s no “big achievement” to note down. Nothing really tangible or measurable. As Regentrude says, “just doing the normal”. But, at the same time, at times during the year, doing the normal took SO much energy – physically to recover from Covid and emotionally to stay positive and hopeful. It is been particularly draining to carry the emotional burdens of my loved ones through some scary medical diagnoses and disappointing life experiences. Should I be disappointed in myself for not achieving something big, or is it OK in this phase of life to do what it takes to keep strong relationships going and create a supportive family unit and be there for my extended family? Should I be thinking of big goals for myself for next year, or is the goal of supporting those who need me 'enough'?

Well done and congratulations on achieving your certification!

Well done and congratulations!!

Does getting through the year with my sense of humour intact count as an achievement? It has been a trying year as far as family health goes - both Covid and other serious health-related issues and I am the carer, motivator and keep-it-all-together-er.

We've not had any grand events, but the 1'sts after finally getting vaccinations and being able to get out and resume some normal activities are memorable.. 1st horse show for the girls after 15 months, first book club after 18 months for me last month, 1st dinner out with friends...

It's been a tough year for many. (((Hugs)))

Resilience Relationships Insightful

New to me in 2021 New job - our company restructured and I was placed in a managerial position in an area of the business I knew nothing about. I was very fortunate to inherit a competent and committed team who have been very patient with me. I'm finally finding my feet. Two new friends - I made an effort with two female friends I've actually known as acquaintances for a long time to get to know them better. Separate to each other we've been doing coffee, going to shows, etc. Diagnosis of autism for younger dd. It has explained so much.

I agree that there is praise from the scientific community, but not necessarily from the community at large, and it is the opinion of the larger community and citizens that will direct future political decisions. I'm absolutely with you that we need good testing and quarantine systems. We might not have had the complete travel bans that we have now that are affecting so many thousands of people who haven't seen their loved ones in years.

There has been a huge backlash within the country as well against the scientists, especially from people in the tourism industry who have seen their bookings cancelled over the busiest period. They blame the scientists for speaking up. In and interview with the New Yorker, Tulio de Oliveira, the leader of the Network for Genomic Surveillance , says openly that African scientists will be hesitant to share information going forward given the response. (as an aside, he also has interesting views on herd immunity)

We have had to cancel a trip to visit family as well. Flights were scheduled for Tuesday, but South Africa got red-listed because our scientists spoke up about finding the Omicron variant. Our economy was just starting to recover so it is a huge blow, and it really seems very unfair that we're being punished for having excellent scientists who were willing to raise the alarm.

Thank you so much for guiding this challenge @Granny_Weatherwax! It has been a really good experience. Thinking about specific things to be grateful for every day did make me feel more positive and in these time when one needs so much resilience it definitely contributes to feelings of contentment and hopefulness.

I'm reading this late and was wondering how I'd fit something in before bed-time, but then I remembered that I'd given someone walking in a sudden downpour a lift down our access road, saving them about a mile out of the rain, so that counts.

Thank you @DreamerGirl - the country has been very good about masking in public (day 611 now and we've never let up), sanitizing stations at the door of every shop and restaurant, curfews and so on, so hoping that with the precautions the new variant isn't as transmissible as predicted. Its very disappointing that we can't do international travel though - we've been shut down completely. Heartbreaking for so many people who were hoping to see loved ones again for the holidays. I love Diwali diya lamps - we visited friends who had them all around their back garden for the festival - beautiful!

1) Our school year ends the first week in December for the summer holidays and I like to make Christmas decorations as teacher gifts. This year I'm making bead stars like those linked. The music teacher kept her tree branches and rope tree (like this but without the lights) from last year (we gave it to her with candy canes on) and she loves the stars to hang on it that my daughter gave her yesterday. So making the last of the bead stars is my action item. 2) A neighbouring town has a Christmas market starting 11 December. I'll be going to that with a friend. 3) Christmas is in the summer here and many people take their vacations around this time, so we are hoping to meet up with family and friends over the period.

I was about to fly to the UK to see my sisters and their families next Thursday, and then South Africa was put on the red list last night due to the new Corona strain...it is really very disappointing, but I guess I'm grateful that We have all made it through Covid so far and are still healthy and able to even consider visiting each other I have a job that allows me disposable income for overseas travel I'm not stranded mid-journey as many people now are.

I'm sorry that you find grocery shopping so tough. Good on you for facing it and turning it into the positive (((hugs)))

I am grateful to you Granny_Weatherwax for coordinating this challenge - it has made me broaden my thoughts on how much we have to be grateful for. that I will be able to travel to see family in December. that my eldest daughter submitted her last assignment for a degree yesterday and has been accepted to study towards an honours degree next year (I'm not sure how this translates to US qualifications - she has a three year qualification and after honours of a year will do two years of masters.

I appreciate DD1 Her kindness and compassion to others Her absolute passion for horses and riding Her determination to meet her goal of becoming a psychologist DD2 Her unique way of seeing the world and brilliant mind. The fierce loyalty she has for her friends The courage and determination with which she lives with the difficulties of being autistic Off to tell them both..

A bit late to the party, but yesterday I took a friend out and treated her to a facial for her birthday - it wasn't a random act, but I was really happy that she accepted the gift and I was able to do something nice for her. Their family has had an absolutely rotten year as a result of Covid affecting their business and went from living fairly comfortably to having to cut everything to the bone and then still not knowing how they'd pay the bills. Thankfully they were debt free regarding mortgages and cars, so their house is safe. The business is finally picking up again. She actually said it was the first time she'd relaxed in months.

We live in an eco-estate a bit out of town and I appreciate 1) safety - crime is a huge problem in the country and our estate is relatively safe. The distance from town helps and we have good security. 2) living in the bush in the summer. Our house is a freezer in winter and poorly heated, but this time of year I love it. Our garden in lush and green and full of birds and small animals 3) the friends we have in the community.

What a mean-spirited and horrible person to have to work with - I'm sorry you have to deal with that.

I'm so sorry for your loss Regentrude. Will you be able to attend the funeral in person?