Heartfelt Thanks and Wishes for a wonderful Christmas - and some rest!

[VNwalking]

We are all here in this Forum space because of @ivar - and yes, even though many of us support him, he founded this whole virtual albergue and makes it 'go' day to day. Then the Forum 'hospis' do all sorts of things in addition to whatever Ivar does: the moderators voluntarily put in hours of their own time keeping the place neat and tidy and harmonious. It cannot be a small task to herd us cats!

And then there are the forum members in Santiago and along the way who offer welcome and information and essential help 'on the ground' in case of trouble... @Albertinho , @bigskymind , @JohnnieWalker , @natefaith , @Rebekah Scott , @SYates , and @wisepilgrim come to mind but I am positive that I am missing many so others feel free to chime in...

Not to mention all of us here, friends and fellow travelers of the way.

This is the time of year to light candles and welcome the light - and it's so natural to feel grateful well-wishing to all those who bring light to this world! So heartfelt thanks to every single one of you.

A joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all! May you and your loved ones be well, very happy, and safe this holiday season. And may all of you living and serving along the Camino and in Santiago have a bit of a respite in this slower time of year...because we out here are all planning next year's invasion.

 

[yaying]

wishing u the same!
i may not walk in but i dream
one day i will invade one of them

 

[Terri B]

Well said. I plan to re-invade next year!

Merry Christmas all!

 

[FamPed]

All my LOVE and warm greetings to each and every one of you. ❤ Merry Xmas!
🕯🕯🕯🕯

 

[FLEUR]

Every year a planned 're-invasion, I think it's well and truly in my blood now. Doesn't matter whether it's just 3 days , 6 days , 2 weeks or more, as long as I am able I think I will be walking somewhere on one of the many French or Spanish routes.
Edit
Ah my thoughts were already focussed on new caminos that I forgot to say Happy Christmas to one and all and thanks for a great forum with so much useful information.

 

[IngridF]

Merry Christmas and Prosit 2019!

 

[LTfit]

Nothing to add to your post dear @VNwalking except one thing:

I hope that we and other Forum members may meet up (once again in our case) in 2019!

Cheers to all and ultreia!

 

[t2andreo]

Ditto to all the good sentiments and wishes.

Health permitting, I will be back on Camino in May, and at my station as a voluntario in the Pilgrim Office from mid-July and August.

Merry Christmas, and a Happy & Healthy New Year to ALL!

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

What shall I say , I'am glad that I can wish for all off you dear friends a wonderful Christmas and all the best for the up coming New Year.

 

[mette]

We are all here in this Forum space because of @ivar - and yes, even though many of us support him, he founded this whole virtual albergue and makes it 'go' day to day. Then the Forum 'hospis' do all sorts of things in addition to whatever Ivar does: the moderators voluntarily put in hours of their own time keeping the place neat and tidy and harmonious. It cannot be a small task to herd us cats!

And then there are the forum members in Santiago and along the way who offer welcome and information and essential help 'on the ground' in case of trouble... @Albertinho , @bigskymind , @JohnnieWalker , @natefaith , @Rebekah Scott , @SYates , and @wisepilgrim come to mind but I am positive that I am missing many so others feel free to chime in...

Not to mention all of us here, friends and fellow travelers of the way.

This is the time of year to light candles and welcome the light - and it's so natural to feel grateful well-wishing to all those who bring light to this world! So heartfelt thanks to every single one of you.

A joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all! May you and your loved ones be well, very happy, and safe this holiday season. And may all of you living and serving along the Camino and in Santiago have a bit of a respite in this slower time of year...because we out here are all planning next year's invasion.

Merry Christmas to everyone

 

[Bala]

Yes, Merry Christmas and much joy to all in the coming year. The posts, comments, thoughtful responses, helpful suggestions, new (and old!) questions from all the members and guests make the forum a very special place.

And special thanks to @ivar , and all those "on the ground" in Spain and Portugal. And to our tireless moderators who keep things from getting too out of control in our virtual albergue .

Happy 2019. Ultreia!

 

[Iriebabel]

We are all here in this Forum space because of @ivar - and yes, even though many of us support him, he founded this whole virtual albergue and makes it 'go' day to day. Then the Forum 'hospis' do all sorts of things in addition to whatever Ivar does: the moderators voluntarily put in hours of their own time keeping the place neat and tidy and harmonious. It cannot be a small task to herd us cats!

And then there are the forum members in Santiago and along the way who offer welcome and information and essential help 'on the ground' in case of trouble... @Albertinho , @bigskymind , @JohnnieWalker , @natefaith , @Rebekah Scott , @SYates , and @wisepilgrim come to mind but I am positive that I am missing many so others feel free to chime in...

Not to mention all of us here, friends and fellow travelers of the way.

This is the time of year to light candles and welcome the light - and it's so natural to feel grateful well-wishing to all those who bring light to this world! So heartfelt thanks to every single one of you.

A joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all! May you and your loved ones be well, very happy, and safe this holiday season. And may all of you living and serving along the Camino and in Santiago have a bit of a respite in this slower time of year...because we out here are all planning next year's invasion.

Here Here! @VNwalking Cheers and Amen! Happy Holidays to all and to all a Buen Camino! Special mentions to @ivar, his staff,all the moderators and everyone who helped me planed and shared in my first camino this year. I would like to also send an extra special shout out to my fellow veteran/medic @davebugg I hope the new year brings you peace,love and joy ...don’t let the haters get the better of you. I don’t know you personally but thru this forum you have touch my life as well as so many others and that says something I think.

My Tickets booked for end of March 2019 to start the Del Norte so see you all there .

 

[Priscilla NC]

I've been on this forum for over 3 years now. You all helped me enormously in preparation for my first Camino in spring of 2016. And this forum is my first 'go to' each day. It's taken me this long to prepare for my next Camino, which will be in 2019 (barring major upsets).

So in my Christmas and New Year's wishes for all of you, please feel my deep gratitude. And I hope to meet some of you 'on the Way'!

 

[William Marques]

Feliz Navidad

 

[ivar]

Happy holidays everyone!
(Should I turn on the snow on the forum, is it too early?)

 

[elleley]

We are all here in this Forum space because of @ivar - and yes, even though many of us support him, he founded this whole virtual albergue and makes it 'go' day to day. Then the Forum 'hospis' do all sorts of things in addition to whatever Ivar does: the moderators voluntarily put in hours of their own time keeping the place neat and tidy and harmonious. It cannot be a small task to herd us cats!

And then there are the forum members in Santiago and along the way who offer welcome and information and essential help 'on the ground' in case of trouble... @Albertinho , @bigskymind , @JohnnieWalker , @natefaith , @Rebekah Scott , @SYates , and @wisepilgrim come to mind but I am positive that I am missing many so others feel free to chime in...

Not to mention all of us here, friends and fellow travelers of the way.

This is the time of year to light candles and welcome the light - and it's so natural to feel grateful well-wishing to all those who bring light to this world! So heartfelt thanks to every single one of you.

A joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all! May you and your loved ones be well, very happy, and safe this holiday season. And may all of you living and serving along the Camino and in Santiago have a bit of a respite in this slower time of year...because we out here are all planning next year's invasion.

Many thanks for this reminder of all those, Ivar and all, who keep us pilgrims lifted up as we walk our paths throughout Spain and the world! I hold all of you in complete gratitude and love and send light out to all who hold this time of the year as sacred and holy, in any shape or form.
As my fifth time on pilgrimage begins to develop in my spirit, I look forward to sharing my experiences, questions, concerns and feedback for you and from you!
Light and love to all my Camino Forum family!
elle

 

[VNwalking]

(Should I turn on the snow on the forum, is it too early?)

Let it snow let it snow let it snow...
♬♪♬♪♬♪❄🌪🌨❄

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Let it snow let it snow let it snow...
♬♪♬♪♬♪❄🌪🌨❄

Heartfelt wishes.

 

[Suzanne S.]

@VNwalking, what a perfect post and gracious sentiment! Happy holidays to everyone, and best wishes for a brilliant new year.

My hope is that, when I walk into Santiago in October 2019, I get to meet as many of you as possible. I feel like I know so many of you already!

And @ivar, let the snow fall! Winter begins in less than a week!

 

[FamPed]

Happy holidays everyone!
(Should I turn on the snow on the forum, is it too early?)

Go for the snow! Christmas season is here, let's celebrate!
God Jul och Gott Nytt År @ivar med familj! Tack för forumet och allt gott du gör för alla pilgrimmer runt om i världen och i Santiago.
♬ Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! ♪♫

 

[FourSeasons]

Happy holidays everyone!
(Should I turn on the snow on the forum, is it too early?)

As long as it is virtual snow then yes from someone who lives in a cold wintery somewhat of a wonderland.

Thank you to everyone involved in making our/my Camino/'s less stressful. You are a God send.
Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year!! God Bless.

 

[t2andreo]

Happy holidays everyone!
(Should I turn on the snow on the forum, is it too early?)

It's always way too early. I live in South Florida. My favorite way of appreciating snow, now that I've moved south, is on the television...

Happy Christmas and a very Happy & Healthy New Year to ALL!

 

[AndreaCT]

OH, I love this thread! Thanks everyone!!

 

[VNwalking]

This thread has become a delicious cornucopia of good wishes! Wonderful...thank you one and all.

 

[Former member 49149]

This is the time of year to light candles and welcome the light - and it's so natural to feel grateful well-wishing to all those who bring light to this world! So heartfelt thanks to every single one of you.
Hard to pick out just a few words, but these above serve well, thank you vnwalking.
In this final week before 25th, the much disputed date of that special birthday! (Not the fact, the date - but yes, the fact is also disputed) I am ‘hearing’ some of my favourite carols and remembering the times of yore. Here is a link to one which always bounds to the top as Advent speeds on its way...

Wishing each and all light and hope and joy within your own being, and let that spill out like light all around you! Happy Christmas.

 

[VNwalking]

Thank you! For me it's a beautiful blast from the far past, having sung the Praetorius as a student...
In the same vein...
I haven't listened to it, but this rendition of the Messiah comes very well recommended as being genuine and 'not your grandmother's Messiah.'
https://www.trinitywallstreet.org/video/handels-messiah-friday-december-14-2018

 

[t2andreo]

So, today the snow is there. I feel a chill in my aging bones, as I look out my kitchen window towards the rising sun, at the swaying palm trees...today will be a good day!

Dude! Snow is never appropriate where I live... But, I allow that, as northwestern Spain typically has very little snow during the dark cold and wet winters, one does what one must...

Hope all are warm and comfortable...

 

[Former member 49149]

Thank you! For me it's a beautiful blast from the far past, having sung the Praetorius as a student...
In the same vein...
I haven't listened to it, but this rendition of the Messiah comes very well recommended as being genuine and 'not your grandmother's Messiah.'
https://www.trinitywallstreet.org/video/handels-messiah-friday-december-14-2018

Now, this is truly a gift beyond expectations¡ I will connect the laptop to the tv as soon as I can arrange for the time it needs, and sit back and get lost for 2 and a half hours. I hope the snow stays off for the performance!

 

[VNwalking]

Snow only on computers (no mobiles). It uses a tad more computer power (to show the snow) on the user end, so I did not want to spend more battery for mobile users...

Awwww, that's so thoughtful of you, @ivar.
And from where I sit, any snow is welcome.

 

[susanawee]

I thoroughly support and agree with each and every one of the above sentiments and also, send All Good Wishes, Camino Blessings and Love to each and every forum member. Have a safe and enjoyable and blessed Christmas one and all.....Christmas 2018. Susanawee.

 

[Bodi]

Thank you @VNwalking for this post. I echo the thanks to Ivar and all the team. This forum has been invaluable in helping me prepare for my 2 caminos and the next one in 2019. Merry Christmas Ivar, volunteers and to all the forum members! It is truly an honour to be part of this Camino albergue! All the best in 2019!

 

[VNwalking]

And here's some music for nochebuena - especially for you @JohnnieWalker because that's one amazing organist:

 

[Iriebabel]

And here's some music for nochebuena - especially for you @JohnnieWalker because that's one amazing organist:

You lift my spirit as always @VNwalking and I needed it today. Feet up...ice and stretch often (10xperday )

Seems my heelspur has now also includes micro tears in between my arch and heel on the right foot. I walked 19km without pack (with only lumbar pack with 2 liters of water much needed in sunny florida) last week in training and ended in extreme pain. Pulled out my old crutches gave in to the pain and went to my doctor the next day who then was sent me to the emergency room at the veterans hospital to see the on call specialist... not being able to walk at all. Specialist said the cortisone injection in November was completely useless and injected into the wrong place no less yikes!!!! Anyway new procedure cant be don until the old stuff wears off and is scheduled in Feb using my own plasma seeing the new guy from the ER and prognosis is good. He thinks I should be able to still do my camino end of march but I’m not holding my breath and he has not made any promises as I have excepted that what will be will be.

Merry Christmas to all...remember faith is learning to accept what is placed before us and blessings are whatever we are given placed into perspective .

 

[VNwalking]

Oh, @Iriebabel , what a bummer. I am so sorry, but hope the guy in the ER is right.
Regardless, your camino has begin - and what a great attitude in spite of what must be a lot of disappointment. If you need to vent or to have shoulders to cry on, this whole Forum albergue is here.
You'll get plenty of unsolicited advice too.

 

[Iriebabel]

Oh, @Iriebabel , what a bummer. I am so sorry, but hope the guy in the ER is right.
Regardless, your camino has begin - and what a great attitude in spite of what must be a lot of disappointment. If you need to vent or to have shoulders to cry on, this whole Forum albergue is here.
You'll get plenty of unsolicited advice too.

Aaah thanks, would not do much good to sulk. you guys are the best. I’m trying for a few days completely off my feet ...just the ice and stretching. Doctors orders. But he said after Christmas I can try the elliptical, bike or water exercises.... a little at the time until Feb.

Fun fact I saw a new story on the camino on NBC news USA this morning https://www.today.com/video/inside-...image-to-santiago-de-compostela-1406920771984

 

[Former member 49149]

Aaah thanks, would not do much good to sulk. you guys are the best. I’m trying for a few days completely off my feet ...just the ice and stretching. Doctors orders. But he said after Christmas I can try the elliptical, bike or water exercises.... a little at the time until Feb.

Fun fact I saw a new story on the camino on NBC news USA this morning https://www.today.com/video/inside-...image-to-santiago-de-compostela-1406920771984

Have a look in at the not serious thread to cheer you up while you are waiting for better weather, metaphorically speaking. i too have had some problems with mobility, and the end lesson is: it will happen, it will sort itself. I wish patience for you. Is that ok for now? Hope so!

 

[Iriebabel]

Have a look in at the not serious thread to cheer you up while you are waiting for better weather, metaphorically speaking. i too have had some problems with mobility, and the end lesson is: it will happen, it will sort itself. I wish patience for you. Is that ok for now? Hope so!

Oh yes I’m ok ..thank you. I’ve been reading the thread always. I giggle often . Hope you feel better too.

 

[Walter or Carol]

Yes - Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all. We had planned to do our walk way back in 2016, but surgeries and life had other plans for us. So until then the forum has been wonderful devotional reading! Peace to all.

 

[alexwalker]

@ivar the snow is perfect for the forum. Here is some more for the Camino addicts, from the Arctic, right now: (The blurred image is due to a heavy snowshower; not a bad camera) : I call it White Christmas...

 

[susanawee]

and....all good wishes to one and all and a huge vote of thanks to Ivar and to all our fellow Forum partIcipants, both old and new......have a really special Christmas break, stay safe and be happy. Love and Friendship and, thankyou your each and every one, for being there in whatever way for each other during the past year. Susanawee.