Where did the year go?

Like all good bird bloggers I am busy writing up the customary, nay expected, "year in review" post. They might read like they are slapped together in five minutes flat, but actually (like all posts hem hem) they are carefully constructed masterpieces of witty prose. As I started to choose what bird or birding event might win or lose various categories, and even what the categories might be (once again I very sadly find myself lacking in domestic incidents), it strikes me as amazing that 2013 is very nearly over. Where did it go exactly? I suppose that this is one reason why writing is very helpful, in that if you so choose it can force you to recall what's been going on, but even though I say this every year I am stunned at how quickly it's gone. Quicker than ever really, and I fully expect 2014 to accelerate even more. My son turns 10 in a couple of weeks. For him of course it's entirely normal, but for me it's a decade, double figures, and I can scarcely believe it. I'm close to 40, even closer than I was last year, and at some point in the not too distant future I will (hopefully) actually get there, and then where will I be? What's after 40? It isn't 41, in case that's what you were wondering. No, it's 50. And then it's 60, 70 & 80. And then I can retire....

Here's another gratuitous photo of the kids. If you add their ages up they're just over half my age. The good news is that the equation is now moving in my favour.