I was so not going to do a ‘looking back’ over 2012 post. I would be of the belief that it is better to look forward, rather than back.
So much not so nice stuff happened in 2012 I really didn’t want to be reminded, but then when I stopped to think about it, so much really, really nice stuff happened too 🙂
There have been so many funny days and lots of sharing of home-grown food with family and friends.
So here are some of the high points, just because I am so going to ignore all the other not so high moments.
Blog
Winning the Lifestyle Blog Award – isn’t that just so totally amazing? I really, and truly, never ever expected that. We are still so completely overwhelmed to have received the award, thank you to all who nominated and voted – you are wonderful. Thank you for the encouragement, support and comments – you make it all worthwhile.
Nothing really to do with the blog, but still these awards have to get a mention when we refer to 2012 – our pork has been awarded a Bridgestone and a Georgina Campbell recommendation….. how cool is that?
Winning 2 awards for our pork
Being asked to do a ‘Guest Blog Post’ on the Discover Ireland blog, and in the first day over 1500 people read it! Another ‘holy cow’ moment 🙂
Posts
Top four posts on the blog
1. A good death – written about Lucy’s final trip. And we were able to bring about changes to the process.
2. Perfect Roast Pork Belly – love the fact that every single week this post is always in the top views.
3. An Interview with Mona and Ron – this post has had so many views over the Christmas period – do you reckon loads of folks are finally getting to read the book? I hope sales rocketed pre-Christmas. 🙂
4. Spread the love – a post written about other bloggers because sometimes the ‘smaller’, not so high profile blogs and bloggers don’t get the recognition they deserve. I have discovered, read and enjoyed so many new blogs this year, sometimes we need to give recognition. (Even since writing this post, there are so many bloggers I have got to know, there will be a Spread the Love II)
Nothing quite beats our own eggs
Foodie stuff
Our favourite food finds of 2012 – Goatsbridge Trout Caviar and Toonsbridge Mozzarella – looking at those two names – do you reckon we’ve got a ‘bridge’ thing going on? Totally coincidental! Seriously though you just have to try these wonderful, wonderful Irish foods.
2012 wasn’t such a good year for fruit but these were so good..
A Year In Redwood 
Wonderful post as always Margaret. ’twas great to be reminded of all from 2012 (the good and the not so good) Happy new year to you and Alfie & here’s to 2013 x
Thank you Ena for all your support during the year! It was much appreciated and often needed 🙂
Margaret
Oh Margaret I am glad you had good bits in 2012. I really enjoyed getting to know you and hope to meet up with you a few more times this year. You always make me smile 🙂 I like your purple garden furniture.
Thank you Amee…. I know garden furniture isn’t your thing…. but I’m quite fond of my crazy purple furniture! Will surely see you lots in 2013!
Margaret
You are amazing and I learn so much from all of your posts. 2013 is my year to really enforce my rule to eat local.
Thank you so much Cynthia, you are so kind.
Margaret