2014 REVIEW

It's that time of the year when we look back on all we have achieved during the year. 2014 has been a good year. Jeff started his new job in January - he loves it, they love him - the best thing this year by far. To be happy in your work, enjoy it and be respected and appreciated is all you can ask for.

JANUARY

January always seems a long month and Somerset was hit badly by flooding and huge amounts of rain. We were okay where we live but others were badly affected. It's a month to get inside jobs done and so we moved the dots and spots premises to keep busy.

FEBRUARY

I always think February is a month of promise - Spring is within touching distance and the promise of warmer weather arriving soon.

 MARCH

March is the month of celebrations - Jeff's Birthday and Mother's Day.

It was also the month we started work on the 'new bit' of garden - at last!

APRIL

 

April was glorious - Easter was later this year so our few days in Cornwall were a lot warmer , even warm enough for paddling! On our return, we spent plenty of time out in the new garden, building veg beds for the Summer, putting up the longed for trampoline and enjoying the warm sunshine.

 MAY

May was super too - I spent most of time outside - embarked on a little running which ended in tears and shin splints, so decided to do swimming instead!

 JUNE

 

June saw the arrival of my sweet peas at long last. After year's of failed attempts, I managed to grow my own sweet peas and they rewarded me in scented blooms all Summer. I swam lots at the local Lido and intend to do the same in 2015 - it's a secret gem in Shepton Mallet's crown!

 JULY

July saw the much needed Summer holidays arrive and with it, a few days down in Cornwall - super weather again. Granny celebrated her 91st Birthday with fish and chips in style and Sophie decided to chop all her hair off! (she's growing it again now!)

 AUGUST

 

August saw us jet off to Majorca for a much needed holiday together and it was just what we all needed. We came home relaxed and re-energised and ready to book 2015's break away - Ibiza here we come!

We came home and celebrated Sam's 12th Birthday, the vegetable harvest from our new veg patch and the glorious sunflower's at their best.

 SEPTEMBER

September is all about new beginnings - the new new school year and for me the start of my Slimming World journey - the best thing I've done this year!

 OCTOBER

October was again a fabulous month weather wise - we harvested our pumpkins and took long Autumnal walks. It was also the month I met up with 3 old school friends who I'd not seen for 25+ years. Happy to say it was 'just like yesterday' and there are plans in the pipeline to do it again! We went to London to see the Poppies at the Tower of London and despite the crowds, we weren't disappointed. 

 NOVEMBER

November is a Birthday month with both Sophie and I celebrating - she got a new laptop and I got a pair of much longed for DM's (reliving my student days!) I also treated myself to these LOVE letters and tickets to see Take That in May next year.

 DECEMBER

And so finally December. The busy month of orders, preparations and then a big dollop of family time. It's been a great Christmas and even though we were on our own on Christmas Day we've seen lots of the family too. I celebrated it 2 stone 3 pounds lighter, thanks to Slimming World. 

So that's my round up for 2014 - a good year! 

I'd like to wish you all a very Happy New Year

and hope 2015 is everything you want it to be and more.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Vanessa Cabban

Today I heard some very sad news - the death of a very colourful, creative and talented lady - the wonderful Vanessa Cabban. Now I have never met her, only through the wonders of social media and her blog but she was a generous and extremely talented lady and the news has made me feel very sad.

I was lucky enough to buy one of her Evangeline Mouse sculptures back in January 2011, in fact it was the first of a series. If only I could have afforded them all but that too would have been selfish, as so many others have had the joy of owning her wonderful work.

 

She was so thoughtful to add a personal note too.

I was also lucky to receive one of her fabulous brooches as a birthday gift.

 Her life took a different path after the end of her marriage a few years ago and she sadly blogged less. I used to love to read her blog and have spent some time today going back through some of her posts. Her life always seemed to be full of such joy and colour.

I am lucky, I have Evangeline on my mantelpiece and it makes me smile every day and I will now think even more fondly of the lady who created her.

RIP Vanessa Cabban - a colourful, creative and talented lady.

Here is her blog if you are interested.

Day trip!

So today was the day to fulfil a promise, a Christmas gift to my Granny. Her Christmas present this year was 'us'! We didn't spend Christmas day with her this year, so instead of gifts she didn't want or need, we decided to give her 'us' for the day! Now it's a 5/6 hour round trip, more time in the car than actually with her but I know she'll have appreciated every minute we were there x

We were lucky with the weather - gorgeous blue skies and sunshine all the way and a quick detour to see the sea at Portreath on the way, was too tempting.

The harbour bathed in sunlight - such a treat.

 

Part of the gift was to do lunch, so I came prepared - spag bol and garlic bread, with homemade meringues, fresh fruit and a dollop of cream for pud! Took all my own pots and plates, so no mess or fuss for Granny.

Time with family is precious and as our lives get busier, so the opportunities to spend time together must be found. Mum and Dad popped in for a coffee in the afternoon which was an added bonus, we then said our goodbyes and headed home - Christmas present delivered xx