Year's end - some shining moments.

As I said in my last post, though the final months of 2016 were dark and cloudy, there were some seriously stunning silver linings. Here are a few photos from those moments that I neglected to document on this blog.

My sister's visit in August and our trip to Cork.

On a walk with friends in Yorkshire in October.

Right before my best friend said, "I do."

And right after..... Pie.

Plus, some of the professional photos, because it would be just plain wrong to deny you that pure joy and the most perfect Autumn day.

And finally, Christmas cookie baking! What a great batch this year. Find the recipe for Chocolate Crinkle Cookies here,

and Polish Pierniczki, here.

Gratuitous

As we roll on into the new year, it is so important to focus on the positives and to keep our hopes high for the future. Things are still a bit grim, but the fight continues and human kindness is a powerful thing. Instead of looking back on all of the horrible things that happened last year and finding ourselves overwhelmed, we need to keep our sights set dead ahead and vow to make this year a better one.

So, come at us 2017. We will not let ourselves be kept down, we will welcome you with open arms and we will keep on dancing.

- A -