So another year bites the dust, where did it go? The old cliche about time passing quickly has never been truer the older you get, but 2017 seemed to go quicker than most. In March we went to Australia for three weeks and that doesn’t seem so long ago, and where did the summer go for Christ’s sake?

Still, last year wasn’t a bad one for me, it started getting treatment for prostate cancer and ended with me being signed off for a year having beat it, for now. In between time we did lots of visiting, and besides Australia had a few weekends away. This year we go on a river cruise in France, and are looking for another break probably in the UK. It’s always nice to have a holiday to look forward to. Not that being retired isn’t like being in holiday all the time, well maybe it is but it can be hard work when you’ve got to get out to do normal stuff sometime during the day, when it pleases you. Hey I know I’ve beat this particular drum before, so I won’t mention it again honest.

So what does ’18 promise? Well the Brexit (yawn) negotiations will carry on interminably, and get nowhere meanwhile plunging the country into even more debt. I bet the other EU countries see us as a cash cow now we’ve voted out. I predict the whole thing will be a mess, cabinet posts will resign and there will be a general election, but gawd help us if corbynista takes over and makes an even bigger mess of it. There’ll be tears before bedtime. The winter Olympics take place in South Korea and they’ve invited the North to come down and take part. I hope Kim Yong Il takes it as a gesture of goodwill, they need some in that region. Russia haven’t been invited though, when does winning become everything, not matter what did their athletes are fed? The Commonwealth Games take place in Australia, I’m sure the GB countries will do well. The football world cup is on, and England are in, so it’ll be England 0, anyone else a shed load of goals and a sacked manager. Give me rugby 🏉 any day. The brains who arrange these things forget to check the calendar for Harry’s wedding on May 19th, the same day as the FA cup final. Doh! They tried to justify their cock up by saying the events are not on at the same time. Could be a bit rushed for William though if he’s best man and due to deliver the cup to the winning captain at Wembley. Might have to pass on the best man speech to one of his uncles. There’s not much else major on for the rest of the year, besides the usual top flight events like Wimbledon, the Open etc, and not much else outside sport either.

 Still every year brings its surprises, and this will be no exception. So my predictions for 2018: a senior royal will become ill, North Korea will relax, Cornyn will win a general election, Brexit will be re-referendummed (is there such a word?) and we will vote to remain. IS will be completely defeated but another group will try impose their fanatical ideas on the rest of us. Their will be a strike in the NHS. Just my opinions, give me yours. Anyway that’s enough waffle for now see ya!