Friday 3 January 2014

FSO - The New Year

I like it when the prompt says "interpret as you wish." This week it is: From celebrations to reflections to resolutions; what does the New Year mean to you? 

I don't do resolutions, got sick of breaking them so gave them up.  

I've reflected on the year gone by.  A pretty good one all round, I'd say.  I did a bit of slowing down in preparation for retirement, so I'm now totally prepared.  Bring it on!

Georgia and I ventured into chook ownership which has provided us with hours of entertainment.  Yeah, I know, easily entertained we are!


Chris and I were late in taking our usual mid-winter break this year.  It was spring before we decided where we wanted to go.  I'm so glad we settled on the East Cape, it was a wonderful trip.  So many beautiful beaches, I can't decide on just one to feature so I've chosen this handiwork of local children at Raukokore (I think).  To me it signifies the simple delights of the company of children which I've been fortunate enough to share. 



 The year hasn't been an easy one for all my family and there are tough times ahead for Leone who will have back surgery early in the new year.   But we all know that, no matter what the year may throw at us, we will still enjoy getting together and having fun together.  


I am blessed to have these beautiful grandchildren and the joy of watching them grow.  In Michael's case it's grow ... and grow ... and grow, he's a tall lad.  Thankfully, that is the only way he's changed, he still has the lovely nature he's always had - and he's still the clown.


This time next week I will be in Brazil with my younger son.  How's that for a way to start the new year?

I'll be checking on New Year posts from the rest of the Friday My Town Shoot Out team here and post the Spotlights before I fly out on Monday.


Happy New Year to you all!

12 comments:

  1. I do like 'Chooks'. A year or two ago, our neighbor's pet chicken decided to escape and make her home with us -- strictly on her own terms. She was a lot of fun and stayed with us for months eating the seed from the bird feeder. No one could catch her. Big negative though was she scratched dirt all around our patio and my husband soon got fed up with cleaning up after her.
    Finally, the grandfather of the family came to visit and he managed to catch her.

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  2. Pauline love the shots of your family. The one of the cute grandson is just real up to now. Kids love to do those kind of shots. Enjoy your trip and be safe.

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  3. you have a beautiful family and they look like quite a fun loving group as well!

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  4. Happy hols in Brazil. The weather is the same as here?

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  5. I hope you have a wonderful year and your family weathers the hard times together.

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  6. Love those family shots. Now, if you want anyone to help carry your bags when you head to Brasil just let me know....:)

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  7. Chooks are a little known but endless source of fascination!! Happy New Year - I like your positive outlook!!

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  8. Mamma and her chicks - great photo!

    Happy New Year!

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  9. I wish you a safe trip to Brazil next week these images are great. I hope the new year will be happy for you!

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  10. I thought that I'd seen this before and left a note - but it was on a prior post. You have such a lovely family - 'a family that laughs together stays together' is that a true adage - if not it should be.
    I hiked 11 miles yesterday and this morning can barely walk.
    Brasil is having a heat wave.....means heavy rains soon. Take an umbrella. And shoes that don't mind getting very wet.
    In the Brasilian way.... um abraço e um beijo (a hug and a kiss)

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  11. Lovely post, lovely family Pauline. You've started the new year with a bang - Brazil! Well done and have a FABulous time!

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