2021: 12 Months, 12 Photos

As has now become customary, I let the pictures do the talking as I select a dozen photos from my camera roll, one from each month, which best sums up 2021. Readers, I give you my 2021 in 12 photos.

January

The UK had a sprinkling of snow, and whilst in the midst of Lockdown 2 it was enough to get us all giddy with excitement. In an unusual turn of events I decided to actually get my backside out of bed and accompany Mr Fletche on his morning walk*. And I’m glad I did as our local park looked quite spectacular in the snow

*this is unlikely to become a regular occurrence

February

I’ve banged on about supporting independents on numerous occasions. And during lockdown, this felt especially important. Takeaway burgers never seem to cut the mustard (pardon the burger-topping related pun) so we decided to DIO (do-it-ourselves). This epic creation was from the special Valentines DIY burger kit from Libertine Burger. Not a bad joint effort with Mr Fletche on patty-flipping and me on construction duties. Not pictured – frickles, tater tots, a sprinkling of frazzles and two slabs of Urban Cheesecake.

March

In March we had a new addition to our family. Meet Brian. Weeks of wandering around garden centres – essential shops only – paid dividends as Brian joined Paul in the conservatory. I’m happy to announce that both are still alive and well (although Paul took a bit of a tumble when I tried to show him the outside world)

April

Released from the confines of lockdown, we took the opportunity to book a few days away at the end of the month. If we can’t go on safari, we decided the next best thing would be a safari-tent glamping holiday in Somerset. Where the Big 5 were alpaca, sheep. pigs, goats and chickens. The sub-zero temperatures in late April were NOT expected.

Glamping at Middle Stone Farm, West Somerset

May

Hello Brum – you’re looking quite pretty aren’t you?

June

Restrictions on foreign travel has meant an opportunity to visit parts of England that we’ve never explored before. Mr Fletche and I spent a week down in the South East, spending time in Whitstable, Rye and Brighton. Don’t be fooled by the blue skies on the picture above. It rained. As is inevitable on a Fletcher family holiday.

Brighton Rocks: Soaking Up That Vitamin Sea

July

If I was going to pick up a new crafty hobby, it probably would have been more sensible to do it during 6 months of virtual lockdown, not as the world started opening up again. At the time I promised everyone they would be getting handmade embroidered gifts for Christmas. I didn’t say which Christmas. Everyone will be getting handmade embroidered gifts for Christmas. 2022.

August

Definitely one of the the highlights of 2021 was finally getting to watch my beautiful cousin Tara get married. Originally scheduled for March 2020 – well, we know that turned out – it was postponed until March 2021, and then again to August. Third time lucky, it was a beautiful day, in wonderful surroundings with family that we hadn’t seen in 18 months.

(Pssst – Tara is also the crochet hook behind those ace hats I’m always wearing! You can find out more over at Emmie & Me)

September

Hello 44! If you can’t pose awkwardly in a flower tunnel on the eve of your birthday then when can you? I’ve spent birthdays in some wonderful places but it was quite nice to spend this one closer to home, with a beautiful meal at Craft followed by a gin or two in the world’s best gin bar (2019), 40 St Paul’s.

October

The new wallpaper in the conservatory almost got the October nod. But instead, it’s memories of a wonderful few days in the Peak District. We stayed in the lovely spa town of Buxton, which was a good base full of excellent food and drink options. I highly recommend booking a meal at 53 Degrees North, based at the Buxton Brewery Tap House.

November

One of the best things about 2021 has been having live music back. It was our third time seeing Suede and they were as epic as ever. We already have some gigs in the diary for 2022; after all, nothing beats the surge of a happy crowd riding a wave of love for the band onstage.

December

November into December saw Mr Fletche and I head down to Mousehole in Cornwall to celebrate our 13th wedding anniversary. There were blustery walks along clifftops. Long luxurious baths at Thimble Cottage. Afternoons mooching around independent shops for local crafts and produce. An extremely decadent hot chocolate. And – as expected from Cornwall – lots and lots of spectacular scenery to help us appreciate how beautiful our own country can be.

2021 in 12 photos

And that’s it – my 2021 in 12 photos. If you want a look back to see my 2020 in 12 photos you can find that post here!