We're three days into 2018 and I thought I'd write a blog about the ups and downs of 2017. Except, when I went back through the year,I realised that (a few punctures and damaged windscreens apart) there weren't really any downs. Which made me appreciate how lucky I am to be able to continue to enjoy a full and happy retirement.
So, here, in no particular order, are the highlights of 2017.
Favorite Novel
I was far from alone in thinking Gail Honeyman's Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine was, indeed, completely fine - it's just won the Costa First Novel Award. Do read it.
Play Of The Year
I was going to nominate The Young Vic's fantastic The Jungle but for sheer enjoyment I have to go for The National's production of Twelfth Night.
Movie Of The Year
We didn't manage to get to see as many films as usual in 2017 but there were some highlights including Get Out, Paddington 2, Breathe, Mudbound and Farewell Christopher Robin but ,for me, The Killing Of A Sacred Deer came out tops.
Holiday Location Of The Year
Tropical Hideaway Bequia (Hush don't tell anybody)
eBay Disaster Of The Year
Super £200 antique Dudson cheese dish and cover for £15
Thanks Yodel.
Birthday Party Of The Year
My mate Mark Jones' 60th.
Publishing Event Of The Year
Mr Prendergast's Fantastic Find
Here's the latest review on Goodreads
Flop Of The Year
Framlingham Gala Parade
which consisted of this
Followed by this
And er, nothing. That was it.
eBay Buy Of The Year
Fabulous large tankard for under £7 -sold for almost £200
Fame At Last
Some of my finds made it into the Lost And Found exhibition at Bury St Edmunds museum
Detector Find Of The Year
Very rare Henry I penny.
Crime Of The Year
Best Christmas Presents
Home made photo album from Rose and Melody and Joke Book from Catherine and Teddy
Holiday Cottage Of The Year
The Gatehouse Coniston booked through Coppermines Cottages
Cafe Of The Year
Our home from home in Framlingham. We've spent many an hour in "The Goat" here in Fram in 2017. Best coffee in town served with a friendly smile.
Meal Of The Year
Tasting Menu at Marc Fosh in Palma celebrating our dear friends Dave and Jane Haworth's Ruby Wedding
Some of my favourite photos of the year
Mum (91) got to visit her great grandchildren
Blossom in Beccles
Walking near The Inn At Whitewell
The Castle On The Hill
Tower Bridge
Having all of our grandchildren together for once.
Polite Anarchist
Snape Marshlands
Autumn Walk
Bi-annual friends' get together
You'll always find them in the kitchen at parties
Winter visit to Scotland
Castle On The Hill (again)
Sunset in the garden
I've just had an article printed in the excellent The Searcher magazine. Their headline echoes what I said at the outset of this blog.
Here's to 2018
With very best wishes.
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