Thursday 31 December 2020

Looking Back At 2020

At the end of 2019 I commented that the year had been a sad one for me with the death of my mum, and here I am again at the end of this year saying the same thing following the death of my dad. I never would have predicted that I'd have such a devastating couple of years, and on top of this, we've had coronavirus to deal with this year too. It's been a very mixed twelve months with sad time and happy times too, lets take a look back over the last twelve months.

We were Blowing Away The Cobwebs back in January with a new year trip to Scarborough. Little did we know then but this, and another day in March, would be the only trips we took to the coast this year because of the coronavirus restrictions and lockdown.

Storm Ciara blew in during February causing damage and destruction. We had quite a few days of stormy weather but got off lightly compared to many people. There was flooding, loss of homes and sadly, loss of life too.

Coronavirus came to our attention in March and we all started to practice Social Distancing. Who'd have thought that we'd still be in this pickle at the end of the year.

We were only allowed to walk in the neighbourhood during lockdown so I took you with us on Another Local Walk For Archie in April. We were lucky that we had some lovely weather at this time and we went on many local walks.

In May we were Enjoying The Rhododendrons at Temple Newsam. We like to visit around this time each year to see all the beautiful blooms, though it was a different experience this year with social distancing still in place yet very few people following the guidelines.

I was finally At The End of my five and a half year long challenge in June to read all of Agatha Christie's sixty six murder mystery books in chronological order. It was a fun challenge and I was sad to come to the end of it.

I wrote about A New Normal in July after the death of my dad the previous month. I recognised that after spending so much time caring for and looking after my dad, my life was about to change now that he was no longer here.

We had an impromptu day out in Burnsall in August to celebrate Mick's birthday. We haven't had many days out during this year because of coronavirus restrictions so this was a welcome visit to the place I love best, the Yorkshire Dales.

Crafting has been a big factor in my life this year especially with having to spend so much time at home. I decided to give my attention to a number of different projects with a view to getting some of them finished, and making some good progress on others, and I gave An Update On My Crafting Rotation in September.

At last, we had something to celebrate in October when Jacob asked Eleanor to marry him and She Said Yes. They haven't set a date yet but they don't want to wait too long.

We had some very murky days in November so it was nice to come Out Of The Fog and enjoy a walk at Roundhay Park. As you can see, Archie had a lovely time too rolling about in the fallen leaves.

We discovered A New Walk in December. Being close to water, it's a walk which will attract Mick time and time again, we've returned once already.

A huge thank you to everyone who has visited my blog this year and those who have left such wonderful and supportive comments, especially when my dad died back in June. It's been a tough year in more ways than one but life has gone on, albeit in a very different way to that which we're used to. Wishing you all a happy, healthy and prosperous 2021.

23 comments:

  1. Let's hope for a happier 2021. Archie's photos always cheer things up.

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  2. What a year.
    Wishing you more good days and fewer sad ones for 2021

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  3. You've had a tough time this year and I hope the New year brings good things to look forward to. I do enjoy seeing Archie on your blog. Happy New Year to you and your family xx

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  4. Indeed,a difficult year for everyone but especially for you losing your Dad.
    Let’s all hope for a better 2021.
    Barbarax

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  5. Happy New Year, let's hope it brings us all some much needed joy and peace. x

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  6. You have had another difficult year Jo. It's good to know Eleanor and Jacob got engaged. I wish them happiness as they plan their future. Perhaps there will be a wedding in 2021? That's something to look forward to. All the best to you and your family this coming new year.

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  7. Quite a year Jo lets hope that next year brings only good things.xx

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  8. A lovely, reflective, post. You certainly had a roller-coaster year.
    Thanks, and for you too. xx

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  9. All good wishes for a happy, safe and healthy new year.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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  10. Gosh a tough couple of years for you, I lost my Dad a few years ago and understand how devastating the loss of one parent can be, let alone both, in quick succession. I hope next year is happier for you. Wishing you and all your family a very happy and peaceful New Year, Jillxx

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  11. i hope 2021 is much happier for you xx

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  12. Seeing Archie in his cuteness reminds me how much I miss my pets! You are so admired by me because of your productivity! Yes, we must go into 2021 with a hopeful spirit! Much love.💖

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  13. I hope the New Year will be kinder to you, Jo. Sending my warmest wishes to you and your family. X

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  14. As always, it's lovely to see Archie. He just makes me smile. Happy New Year to you and yours! Let's hope it's a good one! :o)

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  15. oh , a wedding! You have lots of time to grieve. It eases but it isn't really over ever. We are always here to listen.

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  16. I've realised this year has been ever so tough for many of my blogging friends, especially a few very close ones that I've met on our travels & my heart has gone out to you all. Looks like we are going back into some strict lockdowns as 8 cases have been detected in Melbourne after being free for 61 days. I've enjoyed your review of the year. Hopeful New Year, take care & hugs to you and all the family.

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  17. A lovely photographic round-up of the year Jo, I love the Archie pics and hope you have a healthy and prosperous New Year :)

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  18. It was fun taking a memory stroll through your year. Wishing you all the best in 2021 and I look forward to seeing where you walk and what you make.

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  19. Not an easy year, very tough at times.
    However, there were some good times too.
    Many thanks for sharing this look back.

    Sending my good wishes for a happy, peaceful and healthy new year.

    All the best Jan

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  20. It has been a tough year one way or the other but Eleanor's engagement must have been the highlight. Let's hope 2021 is so much better for us all. Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy New Year x

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  21. I know it was an especially tough year losing your Dad. Sending you love and hopes that 2021 is much better for all of us.

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  22. I'm delighted you had the engagement! What a mixture Jo, it sure has been a funny old year. All the very best for you and yours for 2021.xxx

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  23. Happy New Year Jo. I'm sure this year will bring many happy moments.
    xx

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