2023 highlights

The second half of 2023 proved to be challenging and stressful for the most part but there were some highly enjoyable interludes and, if I don't record them here, I'll forget them.  So, here goes.

Please note:  Typepad continues to be problematic and there may be issues when viewing the photographs in this post.

There was a weekend staying in my favourite house in Hebden Bridge with the family.

There was an evening in Manchester with Jo Nesbo.

There was a birthday celebrated.  Just me, the boy and some alpacas.

 There was a winter light show in the local park.

There was a much anticipated trip to London which included the Chanel exhibition, a book tree at St Pancras, Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, David Hockney, Antony Gormley, dinner at Marcus Wareing's restaurant in the Berkeley, the Tate Modern, panoramic views from a new viewing platform higher than the one at the Shard, champagne and nibbles at the Ritz, Borough Market, St Paul's, Fortnum and Mason, bookshops and so much more.

There was Christmas.

And that's a wrap.

 

 

Celebrating Christmas 2022

Some highlights from a different but oh so lovely Christmas. 

There was the usual flurry of festive preparation and last minute panic buying (every. single. year.) in the days leading up to the main event. 

Finally, most of the familiar components came together, with just some adjustment to enable time with the Mister.  And, of course, to accommodate the newest and littlest member of the family. 

Traditional food, crackers, sparkly jumpers, piles of superb presents, games (one involved completing a variety of tasks using teeny tiny hands on stumps and was a big hit), chocolates, endless washing up, full bins, tight waistbands.  Perfect.

This year's gingerbread house, courtesy of the Boy and complete with lights, was inspired by the buildings in York's Shambles.  So good.

In the days following, there was a short drive to the coast for a Thai meal, a walk along the prom and a shuffle (me, it was so disorientating) along the pier in the dark.

We went to Castle Howard for the fairy tale themed 'Into the Woods' experience, my first visit since I was a little girl.  I've no idea why it's taken so long to as it's only an hour away through the glorious North Yorkshire Moors National Park.  

The displays didn't disappoint. Sleeping Beauty, Goldilocks, Hansel and Gretel, Snow White, Cinderella, they were all there.

It was too cold and wet to explore the grounds and gardens so a return is most definitely on the cards.

The dog enjoyed a daily walk round the block.

The cats barely moved.

2023 was welcomed in after a curry in a local restaurant, where it seemed most of the town had had the same idea, and whilst watching the fireworks in London on the telly.  

Despite some trepidation given the recent changes here, everything turned out well (best not mention the butterscotch sauce) and we enjoyed a splendidly festive time. Shame we didn't manage to fit in the annual game of Scrabble. Ah well, I'll just have to keep wearing the crown.

Happy New Year to you all.