
This week’s Sunday Stills Challenge from Terri Webster Schrandt’s wonderful blog is the theme- A look back at 2020. You can see Terri’s photos and join in here:
The photo above depicts much of how I felt about 2020, unsettled but hopeful.

January came in with a wallop for southern Vancouver Island, Canada.

Big winds took out the power for thousands, stopped ferry service, and created these awesome waves!

Harley was more than ready for spring to arrive.

By February 13th we had our first cherry blossoms- spring was here!
The garden came alive and color drenched the growing Covid-19 fears. I came down sick and made a slow recovery, while Mom ended up in hospital for almost a month on an unrelated issue. I couldn’t go see her and was very grateful for Facetime!

Our Asian pear tree put on a gorgeous show. We worked to fill our small yard with fruits and vegetables we could grow ourselves, so we didn’t need to worry about the depleting store shelves.
Summer came and, with it, new, tighter restrictions. We spent most of our time at home, safe and secure in our little haven.
Harvest time arrived and we reaped the benefits of having an organic garden.

Fall brought thousands of deaths and the promise of a new vaccine. At home, we’ve been coping with horrible, deep wounds that appeared on Mom’s legs. She has a home nurse come in to change bandages three times a week (masked, gloved, and antiseptic spray in hand) and we go into the Jubilee Hospital’s Wound and Burn Clinic once a month for debridement treatments, which is just as painful as it sounds. Any prayers you could spare for her to heal would be muchly appreciated.
To brighten our grim days, the garden gifted us with radiant color.

Christmas was quiet, but enjoyable with a delicious dinner created from Hello Fresh meal kits (which I love!!)

My resolution for 2021 is not to take life for granted, embrace every moment, and most of all, be grateful for my blessings. {{hugs}}
Jacq
Your garden is beautiful Jacquie. All your prayers for your mum. I know debridemney is too painful, best done under anaesthesia. I hope she recovers soon.
The harvest and organic farming had me longing to turn my black thumb green. Maybe one day when I have the money and space to get away
LikeLiked by 2 people
All of our plants are container grown, Shalini. You’d be surprised how little room you need to get a return on your investment.
Give it a try!
Yes, the debridement is awful. I think maybe the two-three days after are even worse, though. I’ll be so glad when she heals and can enjoy life again.
LikeLike
Happy new year Jacq. I wouldn’t take anything ever granted 2020 taught me that
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true, Shalini. Happy New Year to you and your family. I hope and pray we see an end to this virus {{hugs}}
LikeLike
I loved this collection of the seasons and personal experience of 2020. You remembered to see beauty in the midst of a crisis. I am glad you and your mother made a recovery. You are so right with your resolution. Have a wonderful 2021. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s encouraging to see how the earth renews season after season.
Happy New Year, Mark!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful colours in your garden, Jacqui and lots of bounty. Sending healing thoughts for your mum 💚
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Cathy. Our garden is small, but mighty, lol.
Appreciate the well wishes for Mom {{hugs}}
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so sorry to hear about your mother. I’ll certainly keep her in my prayers. Thank you for sharing your gorgeous photos. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jill. She’s had them since July- a long, painful torture for anyone to endure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m really sorry to hear this, Jacquie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jacquie, a beautiful pictorial reflection of 2020! Your fruit harvest looks mouthwatering and such stunning flowers! I’m sorry to read about your mother’s legs – it sounds agonising and frightening. I hope they improve. Thoughts and prayers winging their way to you and her. Hugs xx here’s to a happier and healthier 2021!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your well wishes and prayers, Annika- appreciated!
Wishing you, and yours, a safe and happy 2021 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
What beautiful photos Jacquie. Images such as these remind us we have much to be grateful and hopeful for. Wishing you much happiness in 2021. Marje x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy New Year, Marje! If we can just find the light, the sun will follow {{hugs}}
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love taking photos too. It’s such fun. Happy New Year Jacquie. x
LikeLiked by 1 person
My poor Iphone groans every time I snap another picture, lol
LikeLike
Hi, Jacquie – I was delighted to discover your blog via #SundayStills. Your photography is stunning (so much so, I wanted to reach through my screen and grab one of those grapes!) I wholeheartedly agree that 2020 was unsettled but hopeful. I continue to focus on the hope.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Hope is evasive in light of this epidemic, but it’s all that we have to hang onto ❤
LikeLike
Wonderful wrap up of the year, Jacquie, and great New Year resolutions. Congratulations, Sylvie
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Sylvie. Happy New Year!
LikeLike
I can’t think of a better new year’s resolution, Jacquie. Your post is a beautiful way to wrap up a year. The pictures are lovely. Prayers for you mom.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Mary. 2020 was a rough year for everyone. Hopefully, we’re close to kicking that virus out the door!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy New Year, Jacquie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a look at the year, Jacquie. It’s amazing how much some of us depend on nature and our gardens, not only for food, but for vibrancy, connection, and peace. I do hope your mom’s health improves. That would really give 2021 a boost. Be well, my friend, and soon your garden will be delighting you once again. Happy New Year. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Diana. It’s hard not to feel hope and joy once the flowers burst free!
I would take Mom’s pain, if I could. I feel so helpless…
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful way to do a year-in-review through photos! Thanks for sharing, Jacquie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love showing off my flowers 🙂
LikeLike
All lovely, Jacquie. But Harley is the most beautiful of all. Hugs on the wing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
She thinks so, as well, lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your photos, but your resolution is the icing on the cake. It’s one of the best ones I’ve heard yet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Pete. Facing health scares this past year had a way of changing my perspectives ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the beauty you captured last year in your photos, Jacquie.
I will definitely keep your mother in my prayers. Sending hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Denise. Happy New Year!
LikeLike
Jacquie, I’m so sorry this post got by me! Your year in pictures is so beautiful, all those fresh fruits and veggies, not to mention your garden. Good thing about being stuck at home, our gardens got extra loving treatment. Im sorry to read about your mom’s health issues, that does sound quite painful! I think we all have a sense of hope for 2021. If 2020 taught us anything it was to count on our resilience. Cheers to you and a healthy 2021!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Terri. Yes, though the last year has been rough, it’s also brought families together and clarified what’s truly important in our lives. So, even in the midst of fear there is hope ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well said, my friend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What blooms of colorful love Jacquie. I hope you are doing well and that your family is doing well as I can remember your were facing some uncertainties. Anyhow, I hope that your weekend and January are comfortable and fulfilling. Cheers!🌺🍂🍮🍮🍂🔔
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, AOC! Mom is doing much better now. Thanks to everyone’s prayers, her wounds have turned a corner and are mending- yay!
Hope you are doing well and staying safe, my friend ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Jacquie that is good news! And it’s so nice to hear from you! Happy Monday!🍁💐🍂🔔🍮🍮
LikeLiked by 1 person