Looking back and pressing forward

Happy New Year everyone. Here are a few of my memories of 2014. It was very difficult to choose just one photo from each month, but I hope you enjoy these.

In January we were here in Florida, and I was wearing my fingers to the bone for the concert that never happened. After all the time and energy spent learning the songs and practising endlessly with the cast, I was more than a little p’d off with the organisers.

In February, our 6 month visitors’ visa was up, so we had to say goodbye to our home here, and go back to South Africa.

One of the first things we did on our return, was to take a trip up to Johannesburg to see our daughter and family. It was our grandson’s 15th birthday, and we had an unforgettable evening at the ‘Madame Zingara’ dinner and show at Monte Casino. Here is a waiter whose image is forever etched in my memory.

In April, we went to my sister’s house for a delicious Easter lunch, and I provided the dessert, a decadent chocolate cheesecake complete with little bunnies, who all got eaten with not even a passing thought for their cuteness.

In May, our mom celebrated her 89th birthday, and my sister made a delicious chocolate cake to share with all the residents at the care home.

In June, hubby and I made a trip down the coast to meet up with my very longstanding blogger friend Kragenhai, and Cindy his gorgeous St Bernard.

In July, I had a birthday high tea at the Oyster Box Hotel, just up the road from our house.

In August, our daughter treated us to a luxurious weekend stay at the same hotel. It was fabulous to sit out on the balcony and watch the dolphins cavorting in the waves.

We returned to Florida in September, and it was so exciting to see the brand new roof  on the ‘abandoned house’ we’d bought earlier in the year. Hubby started the renovation work inside, that same week.

In October we took a flight up the New Jersey to see our son and his lovely family. One of the highlights was accompanying our little granddaughter on her school trip to the pumpkin farm.

In November, we brought home this exquisite orchid, which is still blooming profusely.

In December I decided to try my hand at painting, and joined an art class. It’s a six week course, and I still have two weeks to go.

This morning, we will start the New Year as we mean to go on. There’s a ‘New Year’s Day Master Class’ at our gym. At 10am we have Kick Boxing and Boot Camp, followed by Bokwa and Strength Conditioning, and rounded off with Abs and Core plus a bit of Yoga. Two and a half hours in all. How are you spending your first day of the year? Wishing you all a happy and healthy 2015.