End of year review, 2024 edition.

General enthusiasm for social media, sharing postal insights on those platforms and even in blogging, was at an all time low this year. Fed up of the competitiveness of it all. I took a long break from blogging, and even considered giving it all up, along with the snail mail forum I have. The internet has changed so much over the years, and the quality of content decreased, with tons of misinformation, conspiracy theories, hatred spread around the world. I do sometimes fear for my safety when I am out and about.  I'm so glad I have penfriends around the world, else I would feel very much alone in this town. 

Stamps this year haven't been too bad, but some issues have been better than others. New Year's Eve celebrations in many parts of the UK have been cancelled due to nasty weather.  Royal Mail celebrated the 170th anniversary of the UK Meteorological Office.

Perhaps one of the not so great issues this year was Porridge. A TV comedy drama series set in a prison first broadcast 50 years ago. Not something I watched, though have caught the odd episode here and there, however, not memorable.

I surprised myself by writing & sending more than 350 letters this year. Some have been written out and about in the fresh air under blue skies. Most though have been written at home this year. However, have received just over 300 letters in 2024.

The year ends with the sad news of the passing of a philatelist and Postcrossing acquaintance. She had arranged many a Postcrossing meetup in London, and even attended one in Ireland for the launch of the Postcrossing stamp from An Post. She was only in her 30s, but she had lived such a full and colourful life, with adventure, and had a job she loved. I hadn't met her in person, but had received a few postcards from her over the years. They will be treasured.

Looking forward to 2025, I'd like to get back into blogging, but maybe would start afresh with a new blog. I'd like to see more blogs out there, rather than social media posts...