This year we'd hoped to travel further afield again after two years of keeping close to home. It wasn't to be as I've had a bad year health wise and am still struggling with various things. But we are lucky to have our garden and some lovely and interesting places locally or not too far away. Over the last three years nature and being out in it has been a constant to cling to when things have seemed out of kilter.
Anyway, I've selected a photo from each month of the past year as a reminder of just what we have been able to achieve this year.
January
A Chaffinch flies towards the bird feeders during the RSPB's Big Garden Bird Watch which I enjoy taking part in each year.
February
Symbols of hope for Spring. Snowdrops at Hopton Hall, near Carsington in Derbyshire.
March
The first Comma butterfly of the year resting on the heather in the garden. Not so many butterflies spotted this year as last year. There seemed to be lots around on our walks last year, was it the summer heat wave that changed things?
April
The Wood Anemones we planted last year appeared. I'd wanted them in the garden for ages, so I was thrilled to see them. I hope they come back next year. Looking out today the garden looks quite forlorn. I can't wait to see those first green shoots of Spring.
May
Bluebells in our local wood. Always a wonderful sight every year.
June
A very short visit to Lincolnshire. Sand, sea and glowering skies at Sutton-on-Sea. This was our first sight of the sea since September 2019 when we had a holiday on Anglesey.
July
Orchids at RSPB Consall Nature Reserve.
August
First spotting of a Painted Lady butterfly at a garden centre in Uttoxeter.
September
Mum by Mr and Mrs Ferguson. One of the exhibits in the Radical Horizons exhibition at Chatsworth, Derbyshire.
October
Gaia by Luke Jerram on display in Derby Cathedral.
November
It was a great year for fungi we saw so many different varieties on our walks. I seem to have taken more photos of them than anything else.
December
The weekend before Christmas we went to Little Moreton Hall to listen the early music musicians Piva. Last seen in December 2019. It was so cold both inside and out, but the music warmed us for a while.
I'll be back next year. I hope you all have a peaceful and healthy new year. Take care.
