2014 has been a strange one. There have been some joyful moments: the day we got Bella; our camping trip to the Lakes; travelling to Northumberland with family; and starting this blog. As always, I've also enjoyed watching the seasons change, and have tried to live according to their ebb and flow, but it's been a struggle at times; I've never been busier. As a result, the vegetable patch has remained empty for parts of the year and time that should have been spent in the garden had to be allocated to other more pressing matters. Sadness ran through the veins of the latter part of the year, and sometimes just continuing with daily life has proved a struggle; yet despite these tough times moments of light and happiness have been frequent. As one year closes and another begins it's a chance to reflect on these junctures with a smile.

Spring

Daffodils graced the green banks, dancing in the wind and bobbing their heads with the elements; I began the season by attempting to improve my bread making skills, which have sadly fallen by the wayside ever since; watching the sunset from a Northumbrian balcony; produce was plentiful in the first few weeks of the season.

Summer

I've never seen or smelt such beautiful roses as this year; early evening sunlight cast shadows across the beginnings of wild flowers; the harvest was ready early after a hot few weeks; butterflies fluttered majestically and visited the bright pops of summer colour.

Autumn

The season started early with seed pods and fallen nuts appearing everywhere; our apple trees finally started to fruit; a new addition to our family; the sky blazed as the evenings drew slowly to a close.

Winter

A crisp frost to end the year with a chill; roaring fires warmed us as the nights drew in; zesty oranges and cinnamon sticks made the perfect Christmas decorations; early morning walks as the sun rose caught the best of the day.

On reflection, as Sinatra would say, it was a very good year.

Here's to a happy and healthy 2015!