Roundhay Park |
Reflecting on the past year gives me just as much pleasure as planning for the year ahead.
Here
are some of my new experiences from 2015:
I
joined a new writing group, have continued to write short stories and articles
which have been published online and which I have presented on local
radio. I managed my first story in print
and won a book token for my first ever book review of “Finding Mr Goldman”
which I read out at the launch.
Family
and friends play a significant part in my life and I think it important to mark
occasions with a celebration whether it be a birthday, holiday or just a time
we can get together.
We
have welcomed one great nephew and two great nieces this year and attended a
same-sex wedding of a woman who has been a friend of mine since our first day
at primary school.
Gardening
brings me much enjoyment. I am still
volunteering at the community allotment and we held a successful garden party
to raise funds for it. My granddaughter
offered my services to both her school and Brownie pack to teach them a lesson
on gardening.
Gardens
I visited for the first time this year included Felley Priory, Burnby Hall,
Clumber Park, Ellicar Gardens and Nowell nursery. However, Breezy Knees, Harlow Carr and my
local park, Roundhay, remain firm favourites.
I
was privileged once again to see some delightful areas in East Yorkshire when
judging for Yorkshire in Bloom in Spring and Summer.
I
visited Lincoln with my sisters for our annual weekend away, included a walk
round Bolam Lake on our yearly trip to Northumberland.
As well as spending a great deal of time at
the coast where we have a caravan, we visited Whitby, Ravenscar, St Anne’s and
Blackpool when my son and his family came over from Sweden and finished the
year with a week in the sun at Lanzarote with my daughter and family.
Other “firsts
for me” this year were having one of my photos included in a Swedish calendar, indulged in
a thermal spa with massage jets, whirlpools, waterfalls and steam rooms (photos not available) and
completed a shadow frame with a coastal theme.
There are still many items left on my “to do” list
which I wish to fulfill.
I would be interested to know what new and exciting
things you have done during this year and your hopes and dreams for 2016.