It’s been a funny old year, and not one I’d care to repeat. 2016 has neither been the year I predicted nor planned; nor, I doubt, has it been for many of us. Let’s just describe it as ‘interesting’. Happily we won’t have to live through 2016 again, but one wonders what 2017 has in store. Brexit, Trump and Putin won’t be going anywhere in a hurry, that’s for sure. Thank goodness we can lose ourselves in our gardens, where such ridiculousness has little relevance. My aim is to take things a little more slowly from now on, do things a little more cheaply and have a lot more fun. We both need to spend more time with friends and family, take more exercise, drink less and better wine, read books, get out more …. there’s plenty of ambition there. Time will tell if we achieve any or all of those resolutions. The garden opening, building project and day job have presented enjoyable challenges, but perhaps doing all of them in one year wasn’t the brightest idea.

Today, New Year’s Eve, is a momentous day. Momentous because we will be hosting our first party in the ‘new’ house (a kind of house-warming and New Year celebration combined); taking delivery of new beds and therefore using some of our rooms for the first time. There will be children, friends, laughter, music and champagne …. perhaps even dancing. What more can one ask for at the year’s end?
Wherever you are, however you are celebrating (or not), I bid you a very Happy New Year and everything you wish for in 2017. TFG.

Categories: Musings, Photography
Happy new Year my lovely English friends….one hour till NY here…..yes so looking forward 2017 and Chelsea!!! Bubbles and hugs for the NY 😘😘😘😘
And to you!! 🎉🍾🍾 Just heard Auckland celebrating on the radio, so you are next. Much love to you both. Can’t wait to see you in May 😘
We are in Auckland (NZ) in sight of all the celebrations, which we slept through. Nevertheless, Happy New Year to all.
I managed to stay up until 2.30am (the last 30 minutes of which was clearing up), which isn’t too bad. Every year I seem to crash half an hours earlier, so by the time I am 50 I will be in bed before Big Ben chimes midnight 😉
Happy New Year greetings from across the pond directly to you and yours. It sounds like you have a wonderful celebration planned as well as getting organized for 2017. Here’s to health and happiness in the new year. 🙂
And the same to you Judy. What a year it has been. One we won’t forget! I hope you’ve had a good start to 2017? Any snow yet?
We’ve had plenty of snow. I shoveled three times before we headed out for two months in South Carolina. Right now I’m looking out at a sunny beach that is calling me for a walk. 🙂
Great post as always and we have very similar thoughts for the New Year – and all do-able, thank goodness!
Happy New Year, Dan! I don’t believe for a minute you’ll take things more slowly, but I’m sure there will be plenty of fun either way. Cheers!
Happy New Year to you, I too had taken on too much building work and business commitments in 2016, so I’m all for a quieter, reflective 2017. On a very exciting note though, I have a newly acquired a jungle of a garden to tackle in St Ives, untouched for at least 10 years and overgrown like the Secret Garden – so I can’t wait to see what shoots push through come Spring, and will continue to follow your ace blog for inspiration. Thank you for brightening our weeks with your posts X
Well said, as usual. Here’s to a brighter, better year in 2017!
Happy New Year to you and wonderful gardening!
Enjoy your well deserved celebrations. Happy New Year and good luck with your new ambitions.
Happy New Year… you are so right about gardening and being in the garden, away from the political goings-on etc!
Happy New Year Dan!
And to you Anne. Wishing you all the best for 2017.
Mr TT and I would prefer not to see a repeat of 2016 though accept that 2017 might be interesting. Hope your party went with a swing and all good wishes for a Happy New Year.
Thank you! And to you. I fear 2017 might be just as turbulent as 2016, but as it hasn’t happened yet I can dare to hope!
Happy new year, I look forward to seeing and reading what 2017 brings for in your garden and new house adventures!
Hope the party went well, have an amazing 2017 xxx
Thank you. We had a very sedate evening. Didn’t even disturb the neighbours. Must be getting old 😉
Never!