Thursday 31 December 2020

New Year's Eve

I woke early this morning and, as usual, I crept downstairs to sit quietly and enjoy my first coffee of the day. It had been another cold night and the garden was again covered in frost but, disappointingly, there wasn't any sign of the snow which had been forecast to arrive overnight. I'd switched on the tree lights and checked my phone for messages, before I glanced out of the window at the front of the house to see a few light flakes floating down. Not wishing to get my hopes up, I went into the kitchen to make my coffee, but I could see the snow beginning to settle along the driveway. A short while later I heard squeals of glee from upstairs. Lily had opened the curtains to see a covering of white. There wasn't enough snow for us to go sledging but it was still a magical way to start the day.

Today, we've enjoyed a walk by the river. It seemed quite appropriate really, considering we spent so much of our time there this year. Amongst all the worry and uncertainty there has always been something reassuring and constant in it's familiarity. We've walked along the banks, paddled in it's clear waters, enjoyed picnics on the rocky shores, looked for toad spawn and even fished for minnows. It's been lovely to watch how the seasons have changed the landscape throughout the year and this morning was no exception. The water covered the rocky shores where we had sat during the summer months and the bare trees gave little cover to the river below. 

This evening will be spent quietly. Still weary from our walks over the last few days, I expect I shall be in bed long before the clock strikes midnight. Therefore, I'm taking this opportunity to wish you all a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year. 

J. X



54 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thank you, Jill. I hope it's an improvement on last year :)

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  2. I think you are closer to the New Year hourwise, and by the time you get this you and Lily will be tucked in for the night. Happy New Year to you both. I hope you get a wee bit more snow so you can go sledding...the nice soft fluffy kind. All that snow we had just 1 week ago tonight is gone.

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    1. Snow is wonderful when it first arrives, but then it thaws and everywhere becomes wet and muddy once again. I hope we get some more before the end of winter. X

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  3. And a happy and healthy new year to you both too Jules.

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  4. Have a healthy and peaceful New Year Jules, your photo is lovely and I hope you and Lily enjoy many more walks over the coming months :)

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    1. Thank you, Eunice. And I hope we can look forward to hearing of your adventures throughout the coming year. X

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  5. Happy New Year to you and your loved ones, Jules!

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  6. Just want to say how much I've so enjoyed your daily December posts and photos. Wishing you and Lily a happy and healthy New Year xx

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    1. Thank you, Eileen. I've enjoyed writing my daily posts and it's been lovely to end the year focussing on something positive.
      Wishing you health and happiness for the year ahead. X

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    1. Thank you, Bless. Happy New Year, to you and your daughter. X

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  8. Happy New Year!

    We keep getting little bits of snow like that, here. I keep thinking one day soon the big one will come along!

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    1. It would be lovely wouldn't it. I'm still hopeful. X

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  9. How lovely for Lily to have the excitement of snow. Happy New Year. B x

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    1. I'm not sure which one of us was more excited :) Happy New Year, Barbara. X

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  10. Magical is the word and I'm so glad you had the experience. Wishing you both a good 2021 with lots of good things.
    xx

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    1. Thank you, Joy. I hope 2021 gives you plenty to smile about :)

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  11. Wishing you a peaceful, healthy and new and vastly improved year xx and lots more snow for Lily :D

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    1. Thank you, Kate. A Happy New Year to you and your family, not forgetting lovely Moss. X

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  12. I'm pleased you got your longed for snow. Wishing you and your family all the very best for 2021 xx

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    1. Thank you, Jo. I hope the year ahead is kinder to you. X

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  13. happy new year to you and lily x i really enjoy your blog, especially your baking and scenery photos, thank you for sharing them x

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    1. Thank you, Julie. That's really kind of you to say. X

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  14. Happy New Year, wishing you everything you wish for yourself.

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    1. Thank you, Lorraine. Sending my very best wishes to you and Gerard. X

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  15. Happy New Year to you and your family Jules. I hope 2021 is a good one for you all. xx

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    1. Thank you, Suzanne. A Happy New Year to you and the family. Xx

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  16. Wishing you a happy, peaceful and healthy new year.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Thank you, Jan. A very Happy New Year to you and Eddie. X

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  17. Beautiful words and photo as always Jules...Happy New Year my dear. xx

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  18. Happy New Year.

    Snow no matter how little makes everything so magical doesn't it :-)

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    1. I love snow and I hope we see some more this winter.
      Happy New Year, Sue. X

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  19. Happy New Year Jules - this year has been so difficult but being able to enjoy the surrounding countryside has been a gift for me. xx

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    1. It's lovely to see you posting again, Viv. Happy New Year to you and your family. X

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  20. Love and blessing for the coming year.
    A winter wonderland does look so magical.

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    1. Thank you, Julie. I love a wintry landscape. X

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  21. There is never snow where I live, Jules. It's far too hot! So, a Wintery wonderland like this truly does look magical indeed. It sounds like the river has been a constant in your lives this year; a place to go and to be and to notice the changing seasons as time marches by. I wish you many more walks in the beautiful countryside in this coming year. Stay safe and well. MegXx

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    1. Thank you for your lovely comment, Meg. I've discovered a new appreciation for the river during this last year. X

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  22. It's beautiful, Jules. If you lived closer, Lily could go sledding at my place. We had a blanket of snow last week.

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    1. That would be wonderful, Stephenie. I hope we see some more snow in the next few weeks. X

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  23. Happy and Blessed New year!!!!!!

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    1. Thank you, Billie Jo. Happy New Year to you and your family. X

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  24. Happy New Year to you and yours!
    Have a lovely weekend,
    Jillxo

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