Goodbye 2018

As we come to the final day of 2018 I like to reflect on what the past year has brought us, and we do count ourselves very blessed this year as we have not had major issues to contend with.

 

 

We have both been very healthy – only a set of broken ribs marred an almost perfect year.

We have seen another year with our beloved fur babies -  the average life expectancy for Bengals is 10 and our turn 16 next April. They have slowed down and Kira has the start of kidney issues but they are doing well and continue to bring us so much joy.

 

 

Nigel’s mom is settled in her care home. It has been a year of ups and downs for her, culminating in a broken hip after wandering at night, but she is now settled and being well cared for in her new home. We still need desperately to sell her flat, but I am sure it will come to pass.

 

We have enjoyed a very happy simple life with picnic lunches out on many days, a wonderful summer to enjoy being outdoors and cinema fun from our membership club.

 

 

We made the most of our national trust membership and local beauty spots

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nigel had a very successful year at speedway after a rocky start and he presented an amazing 70^th anniversary event and saw the team race to victory again becoming British champions.

 

 

Art continues to bring me great joy and I have been blessed to have taken quite a few commissions for pet portraits – both dogs and cats.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had very little work on the house this year after the mammoth events of 2017 – just bedroom and bathroom windows replaced.

I had a shiny new car I am very much in love with

 

 

We spent time with Sam and the family

 

 

 

We enjoyed some special days out to a vintage fair, a wonderful pottery day, Friendsfest and wildlife parks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We enjoyed the snow both at home and on an amazing trip to Krakow in Poland

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had an absolutely amazing Fabulous Fall road trip holiday, covering 14 states, seeing mountains and lakes, oceans and cities, visiting historical sites, Amish farms, beaches and seeing family on both sides. We spent time at Disney and relaxed and just had an amazing adventure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The year was, however, so sad with too many losses. We went to three funerals for youngsters who were taken too soon. My friends Linda and Ish lost their beautiful daughter Kyla. A past pupil of mine was killed in a hit and run accident at the age of 22 and my poor cousin lost not only her 24 year old son but also her mother within the space of a couple of weeks. I also lost my good friend Dawn so suddenly and unexpectedly and that still brings me to tears when I least expect it. I was pleased I was able to organise a memorial bench for her from people in the scrapping community and we continue to be close to her husband and daughter who are such a delight and have suffered such a loss.

 

 

 

 

As we look forward to a new year with all that it will bring – and I am sure there will be both ups and downs as always – we are so thankful for the many blessings we have had this year and the most important of those is that we have enjoyed another year together. We know we are truly lucky to have each other. Yes we argue sometimes, but it is always very short lived and quickly forgotten, usually with laughter at our own silliness, but we are so in tune with each other, love the same things, laugh such a lot and just genuinely enjoy being together. I can ask for no more.

 

I hope that your year has been kind to you and I pray that 2019 will be a year filled with health and happiness, love and laughter for us all, along with the strength and faith to cope with things that might not be so joyous.

 

Comments

[Jaci S]

I hope 2019 brings you many more blessings. Thank you for sharing your life with us, I truly enjoy reading you blog. I am waiting for your Disney update still lol. God bless

[Mary]

Wishing both you ,and Nigel all the very best for 2019 health and happiness I always enjoy reading your blog everyday,although I haven’t made any comments for some time!
Your art work is really very good, I like to see what you have been doing,you have such a busy life,enjoying making all those happy memories together,And it’s just so nice to read about it

[Barb inAK]

Your sense of wonder, adventure, making every moment important no matter how ordinary the day, is what keeps me coming back to read your blog.
I live vicariously by reading about your trips. I especially appreciate how your photos, journaling, history lessons, fun with tee shirts, plans, stops, food, hotel info, highlights, your version and Nigel's version are always so informative and interesting.
Of course, your amazing layouts and techniques are always inspiring whether I make a comment or not. I love how you meet challenges from other sites and share with us, or let us see your work for the design teams. You are always keeping up with new and creative ideas. You are the one that compelled me to take the bold step into digital scrapping, and I haven't looked back! LOL! Thank you for that. Now I have hands-on and digital pages, and love to be able to bounce back and forth considering my scrapping needs.
I am looking forward to what you teach, share, and inspire me for 2019. May God continue to bless you and Nigel throughout the year!
See you on the blog <3