Most noted award goes to Mother Nature in 2011. Relentless earthquakes continue to rock Christchurch. One major quake claimed a large number of lives, while many have caused extensive damage and destruction.
In NZ we also experienced volcanic ash clouds, flooding, tornadoes and we watched in horror as tsunami killed tens of thousands in Japan. On the flip side it has been a surprisingly calm year where I live with gale force winds being much rarer than usual.
One word to describe 2011 = Draining – mentally, emotionally and physically.
Achievements of the year:
Beginning to blog again and meeting friends from other blogs. Sort of cyber pen pals.
Decluttering a junk room which is now a bedroom of sorts
Learning more about digital photography
Pursuing creative hobbies, such as knitting, sewing, family heirloom recipe books and gardening
Strengthening relationships
Music award for 2011 goes to the community group we sing with. The fun, fellowship and joy of sharing our singing has helped fill our tanks.
Academic awards go to three family members this year: a Certificate, a Diploma and adjunct Certificate and a Degree were all completed.
The Courage award is shared this year by 2 family members. One who recovered from major surgery and the other who faces more surgery in 2012.
It is also awarded post-humously to our cat who had had frequent visits to the vet, tests, scans, interventions, and medication but whose life was ended with mercy and love on December 22, 2011.
The “take courage” baton is now resting with our other cat as he comes to terms with the loss of his brother and constant companion of 13 years.
Highlight of the Year has to be the 4 days of family, fun and excitement in December. Our youngest son married on Xmas eve in the most beautiful weather – hot, sunny and calm. You will note the cabbage trees in the photo taken at the Reception venue are not moving. That is the rarest of rare things!
We spent Christmas and Boxing Day with family and new family by marriage.
And in the wee small hours on December 27th our new granddaughter was born. Mum and baby well.
Works in progress for 2012:
More tidying and Decluttering
Income generation based from home for me
Keeping resolve, resilience and relationships to the fore.
Happy New Year everyone!
What great blessings despite the challenges of the year – to have such serene weather for the wedding, and to have a new granddaughter safely delivered – and not on the same day as the wedding! Happy new year Lynley, and may it bring great good fortune to you and your family.
Thanks Juliet. Best wishes for a prosperous and healthy new year to you!
An amazing list of achievements and events. Lovely news about your granddaughter. I am sorry to hear about your cat, though. I think I know where all the gales have gone – round the other side of the world, to the UK!
A very Happy New Year to you too.
Thanks Jo. I read about your gale force winds and I know what they are like…….I hope 2012 is a healthy and prosperous year for you too.
I really liked this post!! I’ve not seen one done like this!! Happy New Year, cyber pen pal. Hopefully, one day we’ll meet!!
Thanks Trece. It seemed a fun way to try and capture something of 2011 with its highs and lows….Happy New Year to you in America.
Happy New Year!!!
Thanks Judy….it looks very much like a traditional winter Xmas for you. Best wishes for 2012!
A very happy New Year, and warm congratualtions on the new granddaughter!
Thanks Ruth. It has been a very special time for us. May 2012 be a year of peace for all.
Hi Lynley. What an exciting year for your family. A new daughter-in-law and new granddaughter. May 2012 bring you more love, peace and happiness, and the inclination to continue the de-cluttering. 🙂
Thanks Judith. It has been a special family time. Best wishes to you for 2012 too.