Linking this old post with #H20Thursday because I really like some of the pics - ignore the words, pictures only
This is a year best forgotten. While I sincerely hope it is done and dusted, and 2021 brings joys and peace we can barely remember, it hasn't been all bad. There's been plenty of fun and accomplishments along the way.
January saw the end of the fires, we travelled through Norwaychasing the Northern Lights and being chased by a polar bear. I managed to catch the fabulous Lizzo and Max Frost and bring in the New Year at my last Festival, Field Day (feels an eternity ago) for Disclosure.
March saw COVID and hoarding creep into our lives, and then suddenly lockdown was upon us. I am so glad I snuck in Mavis Staples, Blind Boys of Alabama and Grace Petrie in the first two weeks. Then it was a lot of cancellations and confusion.
April and May fluctuated with new fun at home, getting lost in music and memories, and a deep sadness at the pain of the world and the death of great musicians and artists, and numbers....lots of numbers.
June we were out again but a little stressed and unsure how to behave. What was safe? What were the rules?
July we got more confident, found comedy gigs and some live music. Little by little a sort of normal creeping back. We even managed a night in the Southern Highlands!
August saw some success with stories being published and moving through to later rounds of writing competitions (and long listed in Furious Fiction) plus a weekend in Culburra with the Champagne Club.
September and October raced along with weekends in Canberra, Culburra, Currawong and Whale Beach. And all of life resuming tentatively in person.
November saw me back at the Opera House and I've been there many times since.
I am wrapping up December with this post so I can fully enjoy the parties (yes! Outdoors, and under 50, with COVID safe food and hand towels), the school farewells and the Christmas traditions.
I wish you all a merry Christmas, or holiday break, and may 2021 be the miracle year we all need it to be. I've been out every night this week and feel elated and energised. Next week is focused on the kids and their things, so it's like my xmas season came early.
I will be gone until Feb as I have much writing to focus on. My Insta will continue as usual.
You may have noticed the 'snaps' aren't related to the words (the links in the text will lead you to those photos) but I did enjoy taking these, and I don't think they'd made the blog yet.
They threaten us with another lockdown here, act as if Covid is a brand new thing. Politics have failed in Germany, but, as you say, we were able to focus on the good. And I thank you for a big smile. A man once asked me on a rest-area (1995) where we head next to. I said "Can-BERRA". Huhhhhh. "That´s CANBRA!!!", he corrected me very loudly. Years and years later we had trouble with the visa, returning to Perth and the friendly guy in Frankfurt offered to call... "Can-BERRA" - I had trouble to not correct him.
Merry Christmas Lydia - it's certainly been a year to remember - so many highs and lows and in-betweens. Despite it all, I'm so grateful for where I live - for the freedom of movement and the low covid numbers. There might have been compromises involved, but it's certainly been worth it when I compare my Christmas plans with those of my overseas friends who are in complete lockdown still.
What a great wrap up of 2020. Although it has been a trying time for all I think we came through it pretty well in Sydney despite a few hitches and some weird random hoarding.
Meanwhile down here in Melbourne......life was certainly lived differently to that in other states. But we all got there in the end😊 I think what we Australians all missed (apart from the obvious) was travel so it’s good to have loads of photos in reserve as a reminder of what life was like pre Covid. I certainly enjoyed looking at yours. Take care Cathy. #lifethisweek
I've just been told by 2 different healthcare professionals that 'OS travel for fun' will be off the cards for a few years - that's sooooooo depressing
It's been quite a year hasn't it? I'm not expecting any miracles in 2021 but I am looking forward to a clean slate. I think we're so lucky to be living in Australia where we're relatively safe, well and can enjoy life as the new normal. I certainly don't take our freedoms and social pleasures for granted anymore! Happy holidays - see you on the other side!
I will be pretty happy to see the back of 2020 ... although I am sure I am not alone in this regard! Enjoy the festive season and I hope 2021 is kind to you x #KCACOLS
Wow and what a year it has been. I love the Opera House and really hope to get back to Australia again one day. Hope you have a lovely holiday season. Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next time
I was feeling your pain when you wrote about those early days in COVID restrictions time. It really was hard on you who was so used to being out and about...but you found a rhythm at home and I enjoyed that. Love your continuing to blog...and being here! Thank you for linking up for #lifethisweek on my blog. Next week it's the final week for 2020. I have appreciated the bloggers who visit regularly to link up and to comment on my post as well. Next Week: 51/51 Own Choice. 21.12.2020 #LifeThisWeek Returns on Monday 4 January 2021. May the festive season be kind to you and yours. Denyse.
Thank you for sharing this on Traffic Jam Weekend! It has been chosen as a fave feature for this week's party that goes live on Thursday at 5:00 pm CST.
June we were out again but a little stressed and unsure how to behave. What was safe? What were the rules?
What a lovely review of a trying year. We have not focused on the negative as many have. We've looked to all our blessings and there have been many.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day, a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Enjoy your time away. ♥
My Lydia, you managed to have quite the year, in spite of Covid!
ReplyDeleteHave a very blessed holiday season.
Look forward to your return! :-)
They threaten us with another lockdown here, act as if Covid is a brand new thing.
ReplyDeletePolitics have failed in Germany, but, as you say, we were able to focus on the good.
And I thank you for a big smile.
A man once asked me on a rest-area (1995) where we head next to. I said "Can-BERRA". Huhhhhh. "That´s CANBRA!!!", he corrected me very loudly. Years and years later we had trouble with the visa, returning to Perth and the friendly guy in Frankfurt offered to call... "Can-BERRA" - I had trouble to not correct him.
Merry Christmas and to a better 2021!
Hee hee. Yes, it's Canbra...at least with our accent.
DeleteI hope 2021 is new and improved. Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteMy virus protection won't let me go to your site - that's why I've been missing from #SharonsSouvenirs. Not sure how to fix it. So sorry!
DeleteEnjoy your Christmas - and your writing time. It's been a pleasure to be following your blog this year.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas Lydia - it's certainly been a year to remember - so many highs and lows and in-betweens. Despite it all, I'm so grateful for where I live - for the freedom of movement and the low covid numbers. There might have been compromises involved, but it's certainly been worth it when I compare my Christmas plans with those of my overseas friends who are in complete lockdown still.
ReplyDeleteHave fun over your break Lydia, loved reading your review of 2020! Take care! #lifethisweek
ReplyDeleteWhat a great wrap up of 2020. Although it has been a trying time for all I think we came through it pretty well in Sydney despite a few hitches and some weird random hoarding.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a rollercoaster of a year! I'm glad you managed to travel before Covid. Hope you have a lovely Dec and Jan and see you on the flipside!
ReplyDeleteLots of beautiful photos! And you are so right that the year has not been a complete wash. We have made many wonderful memories this year.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile down here in Melbourne......life was certainly lived differently to that in other states. But we all got there in the end😊
ReplyDeleteI think what we Australians all missed (apart from the obvious) was travel so it’s good to have loads of photos in reserve as a reminder of what life was like pre Covid. I certainly enjoyed looking at yours.
Take care
Cathy. #lifethisweek
I've just been told by 2 different healthcare professionals that 'OS travel for fun' will be off the cards for a few years - that's sooooooo depressing
DeleteLovely scenes on the water!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2020/12/kitty-at-zoo.html
It's been quite a year hasn't it? I'm not expecting any miracles in 2021 but I am looking forward to a clean slate. I think we're so lucky to be living in Australia where we're relatively safe, well and can enjoy life as the new normal. I certainly don't take our freedoms and social pleasures for granted anymore! Happy holidays - see you on the other side!
ReplyDeleteIt was great to read your summary of 2020. We don't really know how 2021 will turn out. In this uncertainty I feel so tiny. Enjoy the Holiday Season!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful great photos!
ReplyDeleteI will be pretty happy to see the back of 2020 ... although I am sure I am not alone in this regard! Enjoy the festive season and I hope 2021 is kind to you x #KCACOLS
ReplyDeleteWow and what a year it has been. I love the Opera House and really hope to get back to Australia again one day. Hope you have a lovely holiday season. Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next time
ReplyDeleteInteresting post and lovely photos. Have a nice Christmas and best of luck with your writing success.
ReplyDeleteI was feeling your pain when you wrote about those early days in COVID restrictions time. It really was hard on you who was so used to being out and about...but you found a rhythm at home and I enjoyed that. Love your continuing to blog...and being here!
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking up for #lifethisweek on my blog. Next week it's the final week for 2020. I have appreciated the bloggers who visit regularly to link up and to comment on my post as well. Next Week: 51/51 Own Choice. 21.12.2020
#LifeThisWeek Returns on Monday 4 January 2021. May the festive season be kind to you and yours. Denyse.
Beautiful Little Recap There - Also, Loved The Bones Photo - Happy Holidays - Stay Strong
ReplyDeleteCheers
Thank you for sharing this on Traffic Jam Weekend! It has been chosen as a fave feature for this week's party that goes live on Thursday at 5:00 pm CST.
ReplyDeleteAmid the madness, there have been some wonderful moments!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your link at 'My Corner of the World' this week! Thanks for joining us!
Your photos are stirring up the travel spirit within me!
ReplyDeleteNice year in review summary :)
ReplyDeleteHay fotografías, que merecen ser recordadas, por su especial belleza y es lo que encuentro en tu serie de fotografías.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots!
ReplyDelete