Bye bye 2020

I think it's fair to say we'll not forget 2020 in a hurry! On top of it being a thoroughly hateful year for everyone it has also been a difficult one due to serious illness in my immediate family but I am pleased to report that currently we are all fit and healthy - this really is all that matters.
I wanted to look back on the year and pick out the positives. Here is that very random list of things, aside from my wonderful family, that have cheered even the darkest of days:

• Fluffy socks - they make everything just a little better.
• Schitt's Creek - I loved every minute of this. Utterly brilliant. David is my spirit animal.
• Lindt (salted caramel variety) - just when you thought coconut was the best along came salted caramel!
• Zoom quiz with friends - we never won but it was a lovely family activity and something to look forward to.
• Magic Maze board game - this is hilarious and so frustrating but it made us laugh a lot.
• Socially distanced drinks in the garden - because my friends are utterly brilliant.
• Netflix n chill ice-cream - peanut butter and brownie is a winning combo.
• FaceTiming relatives - especially when they were trying to get their new cat to join in.
• Escaping into my writing - it was safe and COVID free there.
• Baking with the child - I will be eternally grateful for the additional fun time I've had with my daughter.
• Stationery, mainly post-it notes and coloured biros - this is nothing new but it was nice to have an excuse!
• The cat - who has carried on regardless and continues to give the best cuddles.
• Having two books published in one year - it made it busy which took my mind off other things.
• National trust properties - getting out somewhere that felt safe was a bonus.
• Trail camera - loved seeing the footage of our wild hedgehogs each morning.
• My great niece and great nephew - who were born in March and who I've only seen three times in real life but weekly on Zoom.
• Yorkshire Tea - oh the joy of the new varieties of Bedtime, Jam & Toast and Biscuit.
• Long hair - there is no way I would have grown my hair this long at this age but I've quite liked it.
• Lovely writer friends - who have continued to shout about each other's books.
• Biscoff spread - OMG this stuff is amazing and gets any day off to a very good start!

So thank you 2020 for giving me perspective and making me count my blessings.
Here's to a happy and healthy 2021 for us all x