A warm welcome to all my visitors,

Thank you for taking the time to come and look at my blog, I really do appreciate it. I would love you to leave me a comment, even if it’s just to say Hi. It means I can come visit you!

All my designs are original, so copyrighted to me. If I have been inspired by someone elses work, I have named them in the post, and where able, I have provided a link.

Please feel free to use my designs for inspiration, I just ask you to credit me, and provide a link back to my blog.

Thanks, Shaz XX

Friday 31 December 2021

A year in review

 

A lot has changed over the last 12 months, I think it is fair to say that this year has not been our/my best “when two become one” it was never going to be really now was it!

My life this is hard to do, how the fk do you guys do this every year? anyway, this may prove to be beneficial to me.
 

So then, things that I am grateful of, things I am proud off and things to look forward to in the 2022. 

So let’s start with grateful

My family & friends
You have all been my rock and I love you all dearly, losing Shaz was hard on all of us, and still is, she will always be a part of our lives, so thank you all for the check ins, the meals, the time and the chats.

Music
Music has always been a huge part in my life, both the live scene with concerts and the digital one, It is music that have kept me sane this year, a large home with just my own noise is kind of hard you know?
Being able to see bands this year despite covid, bands who’s members you can call friends has been important to just get me out the house, a reason to travel again; ‘The fallen State’, ‘Ashen Reach’, ‘Mallen’, & ‘State of Ember’.

While at the same time this year I discovered some new ones, as tends to be the case with live shows; ‘Mad haven’, ‘Ethryfield’, ‘ Raven breed’, ‘Haxen’ & ‘Dead man’s Whiskey’ you guys N’ gals rock!


Things I am proud off in 2021
Work
I am proud of my accomplishments at ‘Netcom Training’ to see my students flourish when they leave us is kind off hard to put into words, rewarding does not come close, to say it feeds my ego would be some what of an understatement.
So yes I am incredibly proud of my accomplishments at work.

Passing my motorcycle test.
This has been on my bucket list for about 30 years now, but as Shaz and I went everywhere together (work and play) and she refused point-blank to get on the back of a 2 wheeled motorcycle I could not justify the cost of the lessons etc as I would not buy a bike if it did not get used.

 So, this one, this one was for me! thank you RMT in helping me with this, this meant so very much to me x

Things to look forward to in 2022 

(This one I thought would be difficult, but it seems that is not the case at all)

Travelling
Come spring I plan on spending time on two wheels, visiting friends all over the UK and in time in Europe too, being able to travel further afield for concerts and attending more ‘last rides’.

Live music
This stands to reason, there are new albums being released, so new tours that will follow, and lest not forget festivals. 


On a side note, I have made bread and butter pudding using Sharon's recipe two times now and both times it came out perfect, oh and a few days ago trifle as was traditional every Christmas Shaz would make at least one.

Sharon's Bread and butter pudding recipeOne trifle with double angel delight


It stands to reason I wish you all the very best of health for the coming year, do the things that make you happy, tell loved ones that they are indeed loved, and capture moments on video not just photographs, memories may fade  or indeed fail you, but pictures & video can last forever.
 (terms and conditions apply, you may lose data if you don't back them up, just saying)

10 comments:

Christine said...

Strength for the new year Doug is what I wish for you. It's hard but we will be able to walk this road, know that you are not alone.
Stay safe, stay healthy
XXXX

Lunch Lady Jan said...

A beautiful post Doug and I do love the way that you have good things to aim for, Shaz would have approved too ❤️
I hope next year is kind to you,
Hugs Jan and Gordon xx

The Hardy Stamper said...

A lovely post Doug. The bread and butter pudding and trifle look amazing! I'm sure Shaz would approve. Happy new year x

Catriona said...

A post full of joy and hope, Doug. Well done on all your achievements this year-you are right to be proud of yourself. Safe travelling in 2022 and beyond. 💕

Sarah Brennan said...

Wishing you love and strength for 2022 Doug. I too am a trifle maker at Christmas but the other half makes the bread and butter pudding. Best of luck with your plans for the coming year.

Kathyk said...

A wonderfully positive post Doug, loving the culinary pix too. Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year and the best of luck with your travel plans too

All the best

Kathyk ... we met at a Tidworth WOYWDW crop

Elizabeth said...

Lovely post, Doug. Alan and I wish you all that is good in 2022. It's good that you have so much to aim for - maybe you'll make it up north on the two wheels. My dad and two of his brothers often took off into the Highlands for a bit of R&R - they loved it and so might you. Hugs, Elizabeth.

Twiglet said...

All the very best for 2022 Doug. What a strong and very able man you are! You have achieved so much this year when many would have given in to self pity. I know it's been tough but you are doing Shaz proud - no wonder she loved you so much. Your b & b pudding looks fab! Stay safe and enjoy everything you are looking forward to in 2022. xx Jo

Julia Dunnit said...

This is a lovely post Doug, laughed out loud at the friendly back-it-up warning! Shaz revelled in your love, she knew. I thought I’d just remind you of that, no reason. It will be fab to read of your two wheel travels, as you say, now you’ve got it, use it! Looking forward to seeing your 2022 unfold. Xxxxxxx

Rita said...

Morning Doug. What a great letter to all of us. Like you I had a rubbish year but now I am trying hard to pick up the pieces. The legacy Shaz left you is shown in this post by your baking etc. Now maybe you could make a few cards and keep this blog going. Look after yourself and look forward to reaching new heights. Hugs Rita xxx

An End of an era

An end of an era

I write this with a broken heart, that only time can heal My beautiful, wonderful wifelet Shaz (Silverwolf) passed away peacefully in the ea...