Goodbye 2014...

New Years Eve already - where did the last year go??

One of the very many reasons I love blogging is the way that it provides a lasting memoir of some the things that happened over the last 12 months, some of which might just slip the mind if not documented.  And often it is the most simple things that bring the greatest joy.

It also allows me to connect with other, like minded folk, all over the globe - which is an amazing privilege.

So, in true end-of-year review style, lets kick off with JANUARY (warning - this is a very picture-heavy post, cuppa and biscuit may be needed!!)

The few days remaining of the holidays saw me commit to the 2014 blanket challenge (which was completed yesterday, more detailed post hopefully coming up soon)...

And time for some cross stitch...

I celebrated a birthday...

And treated myself to some sweet scented hyacynths to ease me back into the return to work...

FEBRUARY...

DH and I celebrated our 26th Wedding Anniversary, he bought me this beautiful rose...

I joined in the Heart Swap and received these lovely goodies...

As part of our anniversary celebrations DH and I visited the amazing city of Cordoba in Andalusia, Spain...

And returned to Granada (yes, Granada, I have fallen under your spell)...

MARCH...

We enjoyed springtime walks in the countryside...

Where we met these delightful creatures...

I was very spoiled on Mothers Day...

APRIL...

The month started out misty and autumnal...

But then warmed up, allowing the bluebells to put on an astonishing display in our local Outwoods...

Spring lambs frolicked in the fields - this one looked so cute taking a bit of a rest from running and jumping!

And DD and I had a lovely day out in Derbyshire with my bestest friend Sue and her lovely daughter...

MAY...

Beautiful spring days full of sunshine and daisies...I was enjoying the garden whilst DH cranked up the BBQ...

A trip to Lincoln with DH for him to re-live his student days...

Cake is always welcome...

And walks in the countryside helped us to make the most of the two bank holidays...

JUNE...

World Cup fever hit the Moonstruck household...

The lovely weather continued, plenty of opportunities to hang the washing out to dry...

Strawberries...

These carnations flowered so beautifully, their scent was amazing...

JULY...

I broke up for the holidays...

Two milestone birthdays were celebrated...

And I achieved my Masters Degree...and on the hottest day of the year!!

AUGUST...what an amazing month...

We visited London...

and saw the 2012 Olympic Cauldron...

And went to the beautiful country of Belgium...

For the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix...

Where we met four times World Champion Sebastian Vettel...

Up and coming driver Daniel Ricciardo...

And the 2007 World Champion (and our favourite ever driver) Kimi Raikkonen...

SEPTEMBER...

Back to work, school, college and university, and in my free time I developed a love affair with making crochet pot holders...

The countryside started to turn autumnal...

The spiders came out to play...

And I was happy to see the autumn colour in my garden too...

OCTOBER...

Half term arrived, and DD and I made the most of it visiting local villages and stopping for hot chocolate...

And we had a trip out to Bakewell in Derbyshire...

I received these lovely goodies in the Autumn Swap...

And enjoyed inviting dear friends over for a Halloween meal...

NOVEMBER...

We celebrated Bonfire Night at my bestest friends home...

and enjoyed our yearly street fair...

I went on a lovely walk with my son to assist him with a photography project...

And I was so lucky to win this lovely apron in a blog giveaway...

and received these lovely treats from my dear bloggy friend Betsy...

and finally, DECEMBER...

I ran a little festive giveaway, and joined in with Julie's Advent Calendar challenge...

Santa came to visit our little street...

Snow fell on Boxing Day...

A lovely time was had with loved ones, with time to relax, reflect and just be...

Thank you for reading this little retrospective look at the year just about to pass by - blogging really helps to lock in memories of special times - some big and spectacular (think visits to Spain and the Belgian Grand Prix!) and some just small quiet moments, such as walking in the local countryside, crafting and enjoying the garden.  Precious Times with loved ones are forever captured in the archives to be enjoyed again and again.

Thank you - for reading and commenting on my varied writings throughout 2014, and to all my followers old and new - a special thank you!

I hope you have a wonderful time this New Years Eve, whatever it is that you do, and that 2015 is a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful one for us all.

Much love, Helenxx