My Christmas and New Year

Happy New Year! The impending start of a new decade seemed to make the festive period all the more special; it’s been a brilliant week or so. 2010-2019 was a life-changing decade for my children and me for so many reasons, but we look back knowing that tougher times add to the rich tapestry of life and make the good times even more special. We all have an excellent sense of perspective and know what is truly important in life. The three of us are happier than ever before and we are looking forward to a year of milestone birthdays and anniversaries, not to mention a visit from my brother and his family who now live in New Zealand. We have so much to look forward to.

My schedule for January is already packed. I’m working extra days in practice to cover holidays and I’m preparing for 100% Optical at the end of the month. The latter is the highlight of the optometry calendar. I’ll be wearing several hats because I’m there as a presenter, a judge, a media partner, and as an optometry and eyewear blogger. In between, Poppy will go back to Durham university and Ian and my dad will celebrate their birthdays. I might not be able to blog as often as I’d like, but I will do my best.

Christmas and New Year was wonderfully busy for Ian and I. We saw family and friends and enjoyed every moment. Here are a few photos.

Christmas Day

My parents were visiting the family in New Zealand, so we spent Christmas day with my other brother and his family, and, in a break from tradition, ate out. I love entertaining, especially at Christmas time but I can’t deny that it was a very relaxing option. I did however, cook and entertain on both Christmas Eve and Boxing day, so I had my fix. We went to Holmes Mill in Clitheroe, about a half-hour drive from where we live. If you live locally, or ever visit the area, I highly recommend it. And by the way, my son Harry WAS there, he just doesn’t want to make an appearance here and who can blame him. He’s a normal 16 year-old, embarrassed by his mother.

The next photo is one of my all time favourites. It’s Poppy and my niece Annabel who’s 16. Here are two beautiful young cousins looking out for each other and sharing Christmas cocktails and confidences. I see a queen adjusting another queen’s crown. I love it.

New Year’s Eve

I worked in practice on 30th December and then had family friends round for dinner that evening. Ian and I spent New Year’s Eve in the North-East. We had a lovely walk on Tynemouth Longsands beach followed by an early supper at Riley’s Fish Shack. It was our third visit there and we absolutely love it. I cannot recommend it enough. Excellent food and a lovely relaxing vibe. Just fabulous.

New Year’s Day

On New Year’s Day we had a bracing walk along the pier to Tynemouth Lighthouse. I can’t think of a better way to start the new decade.

(See more of my tweed coat here and more of my Christmas dress here. My sunglasses are the Riviera, a gift from Aspinal of London)