Saturday 31 December 2011

Where I was 2011

2011 was an epic year for us, an astonishing year, a year of challenges and achievements.

In April I did something I never thought I would; I got engaged.  In August, I did the other thing I never thought I would, and got married.  Both things happened in one of my favourite places, the South-West of France. 


Or shall I just wear sandals...?
I wondered whether to wear my favourite Birkenstocks on my wedding day...


Wedding shoes
...but in the end I wore pretty white ballet flats, and showed off my Birkenstock tan marks

On both trips down to France I went on a good number of long walks - often in extremely hot temperatures.  There was a MASSIVE snake on one of my walks in April.  Five French spring walks here: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.  And a dawn walk à deux, a few days before we got married in August.

Lush green springtime in France
Walking through lush, spring grass in France in April

French orchids in April
Orchids were everywhere when we were down in Tarn-et-Garonne in April

O camping in France
O ready for a walk, August

On St Cecile Plage
With O on St Cecile plage in Normandy, on our way home

I also did a great deal of walking with Miss Moss Stitch in the first half of the year as we walked the length of the Thames in central London, and visited a few markets too.  You can find our first ten weekday walks, covering most of our river walks, here.

Mudlarking finds
Treasure from the river

Estuary mud
Estuary mud - at Silvertown in February

At Bankside with Gill
Self portrait at Bankside, on one of our river walks

Mudlarking with Gill
Mudlarking again, on the Isle of Dogs

One of the biggest things that happened to our family this year was Graham's Ironman race, which he did in Nottingham in July.  In many ways it was a bigger event than our wedding, because it took much more preparation!  I was so incredibly proud of him when he finished, and came home a whole half-hour faster than he had hoped for.

Watching the end of the Ironman
I watched the marathon part of the race, lounging on G's quilt in the sunshine


Muddy forest legs - March
Ironman training - muddy, bloody legs after a 3 hour run in Epping Forest in March

I was also very proud when C did his first ever triathlon, in July too.  He put in so much effort; and like his father, he trained properly and consistently leading up to it.  July was a month of snickers bars, bike grease and dirty trainers.

Cam's triathlon
C's tired legs, after his triathlon



Cam did well at Park Run
C's new trainers, and an award from Park Run

At other points during the year we camped with friends, I made G an autumn leaf quilt for his 40th birthday, C started secondary school, I went to Kew Gardens regularly with family and with friends, I baked pies, I did a great deal of knitting, I found a new friend and I made a great deal of jam.

Graham's birthday quilt - February
Graham's 40th birthday quilt

First day at school
First day at secondary school

Stratford station - May
Coming home from Kew - at Stratford station - May

School Playground - June
In the school playground - June

Cousiny toes
C's big nearly-teenage feet, and cousin L's little baby feet

Knitting at Fairlop Water
Knitting in the sunshine, while C sailed on Fairlop Water - June

Jams
Jam stash

It has been a very good year indeed.  Sending you all my very best wishes for a good year to come in 2012.

~~~~~~~~~~

You can also see where I was in 2010, in 2009, in 2008 and in 2007.  I have been blogging for nearly five years!

13 comments:

  1. I look forward to you annual round up & all the foot snaps! Happy new year to all you lovely McCarthys xxx

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  2. You've had a marvellous year! I hope 2012 is as good for you.

    ps. I love your checked tunic dress - am inspired to make myself something similar. (The one in the Bankside self-portrait).

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  3. Happy New Year to you and your family Nancy. 2011 has been a momentous year for you; I hope 2012 brings exciting events too.

    Love reading your blog. It is great to see what you are up to and reading it enhances my day!

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  4. ha ha, I love your year in feet post. Birkenstock tan lines, a pain, yet an excuse to never take them off! Happy new year x

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  5. 2011 looks like it was a wonderful year for you Nancy. I hope 2012 continues to be a great one for you too. x

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  6. what a wonderful roundup of your year, and best wishes for a very happy 2012 x

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  7. I have so enjoyed reading your blog this year - thank you for sharing all your news especially your wonderful wedding and the inspirational Ironman challenge. I hope that 2012 brings good things for you and I look forward to meeting you!

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  8. You have had such a full year in 2011. I hope 2012 is just as good for you and your family.
    Happy New Year.

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  9. The way you've marked your journey through the year with images of your feet is wonderful. Congratulations on 2011. I wish you a merry time in 2012.

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  10. What a brilliant round up. Happy New Year!

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  11. Happy New Year Nancy! May 2012 bring peace, health and prosperity to you and all who you hold dear x

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  12. I do think you made the right call with the shoes.

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Even though I often do not have the time to reply to everybody, I really appreciate all your comments so much - thank you for taking the time to read my blog and share your thoughts on what I've written.