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Happy Christmas and farewell 2020 #1647581
30/12/2020 15:47
30/12/2020 15:47
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,731
Surrey
E
Emjay Offline OP
Forum is my life
Emjay  Offline OP
Forum is my life
E

Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,731
Surrey
Popped on here thinking there was bound to be a Christmas thread.
But no. Not even the traditional dusting of snow on the FCC graphic. snowman

So, whilst it is a few days late, I hope your Yule was cool, despite the 2 metre rule.
And I trust 2021 will give you reasons for beer

If you are feeling sociable, feel free to share:

1) Highlights of 2020?

2) Lowlights of 2020?

3) Anything you are particularly looking forward to in the New Year?

A few quick thoughts from me:

1) Being invited to speak at a hill tribe church in Vietnam and being able to join them singing "How great thou art" (in our own languages)
2) Illness and death of new-born Goddaughter, but still blessed by her short life;
3) More proper time spent time with others (and not on video calls). Enjoying a postponed celebration from 2020 - and the rather special plonk put to one side for it. It will also be good to wrap up a couple of legal cases - one personal and one long-running one for a charity (but I am not sure it will happen that soon)




Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him to find out what he has been doing? (John 7:51)
Re: Happy Christmas and farewell 2020 [Re: Emjay] #1647582
30/12/2020 17:13
30/12/2020 17:13
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,852
Cambridge & Cotswolds
M
MeanRedSpider Offline
Je suis un Coupé
MeanRedSpider  Offline
Je suis un Coupé
M

Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,852
Cambridge & Cotswolds
1. Highlights were probably winning all of my Classic Alfa series of races and doing the Grand Slam at each. That said, I missed doing the (Fishy Dave) CSCC races for a variety of reasons (but see point 3). Family being well is always the most important thing and something I certainly don’t take for granted - Charlie is now 10 years post-diagnosis and Eve almost exactly 4 years - we know how lucky we are.
2. I could mention a bunch of COVID/work related things but probably shouldn’t. My father’s cancer is slowly getting the better of him and not being able to spend time with my parents has been hard.
3. Doing more stuff for me, frankly. The last three years have been a slog on the house and I’ve nearly broken the back of it. CSCC have a fab series of races lined up including Knockhill, Anglesey, Silverstone GP, Oulton, Cadwell. The rained-off Alfa race at Castle Combe is rescheduled too and I’d quite like to go back to the fab Lydden Hill.

Happy New Year to all of the FCCUKers

Re: Happy Christmas and farewell 2020 [Re: Emjay] #1647594
31/12/2020 12:12
31/12/2020 12:12
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 16,603
Corridor of Uncertainty
J
Jim_Clennell Offline
Forum veteran
Jim_Clennell  Offline
Forum veteran
J

Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 16,603
Corridor of Uncertainty
Good to hear positives from two valued contributors - and naturally sad to hear of the heartbreak that inevitably accompanies the good news along the way.

Our first act of 2020 was to make all our staff redundant as we couldn't afford to pay them, despite selling most of our possessions with any value.
Over the 12 months, we struggled to keep our business going, then watched it thrive, then saw the Covid writing on the wall and closed it, both MrsC and I returning to the world of employment with a mixture of relief and some regret.

Not being able to see family (either vulnerable and sheltering or living abroad) has been tough, but so much tougher for many others.

But the big thing for us this year has been the imminent arrival of our first grandchild, a (slightly nerve-wracking) beacon of shining positivity. The due date was 27th December - we're still waiting.
Kind of hoping it makes it before midnight to show that 2020 had some lasting good in it, but it isn't looking likely as I type!

Wishing all you FCCUK folk a much, much better 2021.

Re: Happy Christmas and farewell 2020 [Re: Emjay] #1647600
31/12/2020 15:02
31/12/2020 15:02
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 16,660
Auld Reekie
Edinburgh Online content
Club President, member225
Edinburgh  Online Content
Club President, member225
Forum veteran

Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 16,660
Auld Reekie
Bearing in mind that for some 2020 has been a string of setbacks and suffering I daren't guess at what goes through their minds.

We celebrated our 8th grandchild in June, and he thankfully is healthy like the the other six girls and a boy. It has just dawned on me in the last few days that my eldest son has been displaying all the signs of bipolar disorder for the last 20 years or so - he's now turned 40. I'm cross with myself I didn't realise sooner, but even more so with the medics who don't seem to have spotted it. I'm hoping that, as a great reader-up of such matters, he will find that his mood swings are much more "normal" than he has probably thought, and that such acceptance might just be the beginning of new and positive coping strategies - good for him and his family.

Our gang of 4 that bought a project coupé in Sept 2017 have finally seen it pass the MoT a couple of days before Christmas, and it is back from the garage where it's been undergoing trickle-work since August, sitting on its new owner's hard-standing under a cover. This chap is one of the four, but we sadly lost another due to long-Covid complications back in August, having spent 8 weeks in hopsital earlier in the year.

I've missed the BumbleBee all year while it's undergoing major restoration but the long-suffering Joe is doing his best to get on to the final stretch when he gets back from other commitments. It will be stunning when finished, with headlights that gleam like diamonds to go with its new coat of paint and restored body panels.

There are 2 or three long months ahead but we gotta hang in there - I'm looking forward to meeting up with a goodly gang of y'all at the Fat Lamb during the summer smile

Awra' best when it comes!


BumbleBee carer smile
Re: Happy Christmas and farewell 2020 [Re: Emjay] #1647602
31/12/2020 15:23
31/12/2020 15:23
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,090
highlands
jimboy Offline
Club Member 857
jimboy  Offline
Club Member 857
Forum is my life

Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,090
highlands
Aye, we all have a story and some seem sadder than others, but we all handle things, situations in our own way. My family bubble is very fragile due to my son. Believe it or not my wife saw this covid coming, obviously not the name,mainly because of her contacts with her job and looking out for our son, he has to be shielded at all costs. We have been in lock down since January. It it what it is. Due to my strict upbringing, I’ve learnt to switch off and go to a better place. This is a thing I’ve taken from my childhood.

I had to give up my job a year ago, my wife works from home, I’m a kept man laugh You just have to do what you have to do. We’ve had other bad news about another close family member. Like others I could have some greeting into their cornflakes. cry I still get the feeling that forum members get on with things, as I said in their own way and I applaud that.

Let’s hope 2021 will bring some hope and better times. Stay safe and Lang May Yer Lum Reek. type


I'm an old git & happy with it,most of the time
Re: Happy Christmas and farewell 2020 [Re: Emjay] #1647608
31/12/2020 17:40
31/12/2020 17:40
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 947
Dorchester
R
respace Offline
Enjoying the ride
respace  Offline
Enjoying the ride
R

Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 947
Dorchester
Something to do with chimneys smoking?

Re: Happy Christmas and farewell 2020 [Re: Emjay] #1647610
31/12/2020 20:01
31/12/2020 20:01
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 6,783
In the coupe.
magooagain Offline
Club Member 259
magooagain  Offline
Club Member 259
Forum is my life

Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 6,783
In the coupe.
An absolutely terrible year on my family front. I've lost my eldest sister and now my eldest brother is ill. Covid has gripped our family and severe illness also. Next year,so far looks no better.
Brexit has just about Fecked my investments,plans and future chance of travel etc.



Re: Happy Christmas and farewell 2020 [Re: Emjay] #1647612
31/12/2020 22:02
31/12/2020 22:02
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,609
S. Wales. Way beyond my means
Gripped Offline
Club member 1924
Gripped  Offline
Club member 1924
Forum is my job

Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,609
S. Wales. Way beyond my means
2020 has certainly been a year to consign to history, and very sorry to hear how particularly tough it has been for those in the posts above. At least 2021 looks more hopeful. Looks like we've got a little while to wait, but the days are getting longer and the jab is something positive.

My year started with a slow return to work after illness, then a family bereavement pre-covid. Then being in S Wales, we are in one of the covid hot spots so have been under strict conditions much of the time. So really looking forward to actually seeing more than just my local area next year.

Highlights... Getting a new job during lockdown... Interview by Skype was weird. And spending loads of time on restoring the Coupe. Still more to do, and Joe has been mega helpful answering various questions and sorting parts as has Steve at Alternative Autos.

Getting a copy of the Fiat Coupe book just in time for Xmas....

Next year.... Swapping the campervan for something more practical.... Finishing the Coupe resto... And maybe buying a 20VT....

Best wishes all.

Last edited by Gripped; 31/12/2020 22:07.
Re: Happy Christmas and farewell 2020 [Re: Emjay] #1647614
01/01/2021 11:42
01/01/2021 11:42
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 33,520
Berlin
barnacle Offline
Club Member 18 - ex-Minister without Portfolio
barnacle  Offline
Club Member 18 - ex-Minister without Portfolio
Forum Demigod

Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 33,520
Berlin
I've moved to Germany and retired twice (!) last year. Watching the value of the money from the sale of my house in the UK fluctuate has be, um, interesting... I retired when I moved but contracted back to the company for a day a week working from Berlin; now the high pajandrums in the company can't decide whether this is still legal or not (I believe it is) so I retired from that yesterday.

Best to all!


[Linked Image]
Don't get no respect! Coupe Fiat 1994-2000 - an owner's guide <-- clicky!
Re: Happy Christmas and farewell 2020 [Re: barnacle] #1647636
02/01/2021 22:24
02/01/2021 22:24
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,988
Sunny Darlo
Wishy Offline
Forum is my life
Wishy  Offline
Forum is my life

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,988
Sunny Darlo
1. Getting a permanent full time contract for the first time in 10 years against the general run of play, nice to have some stability. Becoming a student again but this time in something more enjoyable than my last couple (10 and 20 years ago!) of forays. Finding the house of our dreams (the next step anyway). Getting my NG9-5 running on all cylinders (mainly getting the Turbo reconditioned and stop it leaking oil everywhere)

2. Becoming a student again. All this Covid nonsense although we're all still fit and well, it's just the cabin fever. Contracting pneumonia in the middle of all this, that was less than pleasant. Having the house of our dreams sell before we could get ours out the way. The bills for my new to me Saab, so far more than half of what I spent keeping my 20VT over 4 years in the space of a year. ooo It wasn't top dollar though so I don't mind that much.

3. Getting my first couple of modules as a student done (should be done sometime next week) and starting the next two knowing what to expect this time. House-hunting for a rural project. Having a car that I like looking at for first time since selling the coop (10 years ago).

Take care all, I don't post much but am still usually lurking in the background.


Up yours Photobucket.
Re: Happy Christmas and farewell 2020 [Re: Emjay] #1647658
04/01/2021 10:14
04/01/2021 10:14
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 12,293
Sandhurst
Begbie Offline
Ex El Presidente
Begbie  Offline
Ex El Presidente
I AM a Coop

Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 12,293
Sandhurst
Highlight - Birth of our Daughter in February.
Lowlight - Wife being made redundant whilst on maternity leave in September and then finding out my mum has a brain tumour in October, being operated on in Nov and then finding out it was the worst type of tumour and now has months to live, so broke all the government rules and spent Christmas with her and the rest of the family as this will be the last time we get to do it


Originally Posted by Jonny - After being taken out at Spa
Your car is Usain Bolt with wellies
Re: Happy Christmas and farewell 2020 [Re: Emjay] #1647669
04/01/2021 13:52
04/01/2021 13:52
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 17,114
FCSS 01684 593187
Countrycruising Offline
Club Rep Europe, member 914
Countrycruising  Offline
Club Rep Europe, member 914
Forum veteran

Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 17,114
FCSS 01684 593187
Originally Posted by Emjay
Not even the traditional dusting of snow on the FCC graphic. snowman



I was a little surprised not to see at least a snow man on the top header, shame.

2020 highs, none.........
Lows, yes too many!

Re: Happy Christmas and farewell 2020 [Re: Emjay] #1647688
04/01/2021 19:24
04/01/2021 19:24
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,519
Motherwell - Scotland
Rosso Offline
Club board member 1442
Rosso  Offline
Club board member 1442
My life on the forum

Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,519
Motherwell - Scotland
Getting from Scotland to Italy in the coupe and hopefully another for 2021 driving


[Linked Image]
Re: Happy Christmas and farewell 2020 [Re: Emjay] #1647692
04/01/2021 19:54
04/01/2021 19:54
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 130
Hemel Hempstead
Freddie Offline
On a journey
Freddie  Offline
On a journey

Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 130
Hemel Hempstead
2020 was a terrible year for me: 1st lockdown on the 23/3 had to shut down my salon for 3 months, 2nd my dad passed away in June had to send him back to Italy to be buried in covid times wasn’t easy. 3rd another lockdown on the 2/11 again shut down the salon. 4th Yet another lockdown just before Christmas our busiest time of year.

I’m so glad to see the back of 2020.

Just hope that 2021 will be a little better


Freddie
Re: Happy Christmas and farewell 2020 [Re: Emjay] #1647725
06/01/2021 17:43
06/01/2021 17:43
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,450
Scottish Borders
G_Man Offline
Club member 1656
G_Man  Offline
Club member 1656
My job on the forum

Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,450
Scottish Borders
Indeed some highs and lows from everyone. From me:

1) lost my Dad in July (non-Covid and was 98), socially distanced funeral etc etc. One silver lining was the MOD paid for the funeral as his cancer was brought on due to service in North Africa. Restores faith in HMG bureaucracy laugh
2) had to get dog put down month later but welcomed a puppy into the household later in the year.
3) youngest started Leeds Conservatoire in October only to boomerang back home and will be with us for a good few weeks to come. She's a good laugh tho thumb
4) Oh and almost forgot Mrs M and I fell foul to COVID in October but fortunately have had a full recovery unlike some poor souls cry

As a mate said, 2020 was a Stephen King novel directed by Tarantino frown

2021 not off to the best start either but all the best to one and all smile


77 77
Re: Happy Christmas and farewell 2020 [Re: G_Man] #1647734
06/01/2021 20:17
06/01/2021 20:17
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,852
Cambridge & Cotswolds
M
MeanRedSpider Offline
Je suis un Coupé
MeanRedSpider  Offline
Je suis un Coupé
M

Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,852
Cambridge & Cotswolds
Originally Posted by G_Man


As a mate said, 2020 was a Stephen King novel directed by Tarantino


That’s very apt.

2021 looks like the Cohen brothers are making the sequel...


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