Tag: Now and Then

This is a challenge hosted by Amy over at The World is a Book.

Now

Looking back over the last year, I can probably say that it’s been the same for many, travel plans cancelled, not being able to see loved ones and being in lockdown for months on end. It’s been a year of doing everything completely different. All new for everyone.

We didn’t have any big travel plans like we normally do, due to my daughter and her partner having a baby girl in September. Our second grandchild, a sister for their two year old son. We’ve very fortunate to be able to spend so much time with them all. They have been a such a joy. On the negative side I haven’t seen my son since March and my husband hasn’t seen him since last Christmas.

The last trip I had this year was to Melbourne to see Laurence and his girlfriend, Maddy. But now we are happily awaiting their visit over Christmas.

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So this year has been spent trying out different kinds of activities and exploring Western Australia more.

I had my parents, who are in their late 80’s, staying here for five months. Their flights were cancelled and we thought it best that they stay put with us. At least they could still get out and about a bit more here. My nephew was also visiting from the UK for a few months. There was a partial lockdown in WA, but only for a month. I’ve been trying to be more active in the garden, although that is hit and miss, hubby does so much more.

I am playing more bridge, although I don’t seem to be improving! I absolutely love this game and took lessons for the first time two years ago. I’ve gone from once a week to twice a week now and on Friday I will be playing with a 93 year Italian man as my partner. I’ve seen Mario play and I am woefully under experienced to be his partner, it should be fun!

My friends and I have started a games night once a month. There are 8 ladies in all, and I haven’t laughed so much in ages. I found I have a very competitive streak.

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Also I have started dancing again once a week to something called “Dance Lines” not to be confused with line dancing. I love the fact that I can do a dance and not just stand and do the “two foot shuffle”. Once a month there is a dance with a band and disco, it’s mostly over 50’s and such fun and very tiring.

My blog has also kept me very busy with all the challenges I have been trying to do. It has been really inspirational and this year I’ve made so many new online friends.
Here are some of the blogs I’ve enjoyed and participated in
Travel with Intent, Cee’s photo challenges, Becky with her Squares, Xingfu Mama and her seats to name but a few!

Then

Last year was certainly very different travelling wise. I can’t believe we visited so many countries.

In January we travelled from Western Australia to Queensland crossing five states.
March saw me in Melbourne.
April back to the UK to see my family over there, plus a side trip to Fuerteventura.
May, hubby and I went to Da Nang, Vietnam
October, Scotland, the UK, Sweden and Denmark.
December was spent in Hong Kong and Bali. The only thing we were worried about then were the riots in Hong Kong! We did actually see one but kept well away.

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Next year I think will be spent travelling around Australia. Our international borders are going to remain closed until well into next year. Hopefully I will get back to the UK by October to celebrate my dad’s 90th.

In the meantime,
Keep calm and carry on blogging