Well that's a wrap 2022! You've been alright...

Well I don’t think we expected that now did we 2022! 2020 was a rollercoaster and 2021 continued the bumps and then 2022 seems to have dropped us off a cliff! Governmental uncertainty - what was it, three housing ministers, prime ministers and even more chancellors. Economic uncertainty. War. And well the UK even got enough points in Eurovision to come second. Fingers crossed for 2023 to give us some rest bite from pandemics, uncertainty and bleak outlooks. However, despite tears and arguments, we can be grateful for what we have. What we’ve achieved and the journey we are taking. So here is what I am grateful for in 2022.

Well it is all change for Kate, returning back to the frontline after helping to set up the Long Covid service. It has been lovely to watch her confidence grow in this role but also you could see the front line respiratory was her calling. Fingers crossed for no more pandemics! We are entering a big year in 2023 but 2022 gave some great highlights - we’ve spent more time together, laughed together and tag teamed the kids! We have enjoyed some amazing eateries, relaxed together in Spas and put the world to rights on numerous occasions. And over December you have supported me through some tough times and even helped to count countless donations for Santa Sleigh! What a trooper. Thank you Kate for being my rock in stormy waters.?

Our not so little man moved into secondary school. Finley was ready for it and despite some bumps has really settled in - making more friends and cementing existing friendships. You have some amazing friends as shown by your recent accident where they supported and helped you. Finley you, continue to excel at football - it just seems to come so naturally to him. You dominate defense while sprinting forward for some sweeping crosses. And to top off you made the school team too. We have settled a little more in our relationship - we still battle but have found outlets of television and Ultimate Chicken Horse to bond and laugh more. You are smart. You can be caring. You excel at all you do. I love you to bits. You make me so proud.?

Euan. They should prescribe you on the health service. Our Saturday morning chats about the week are two-way and you show such empathy. You have so much love to give everyone and everyone should have you in their life. Your smile. Your caring nature. Your selflessness. Another smashing year at school, going from strength to strength. You have put your mind to Spanish and Guitar Lessons and are now smashing both of these two! In football you take each game as they come - a win or a loss you hold your head high and try your best - another year of Player of the Season shows your dedication. You give to the community and have a brilliant set of friends. Keep being you Euan (well with a little less attitude when you’re tired!). Your love is infectious - keep being you.?

Holidays 2022 was a year of celebration and catching up. We were fortunate. We got away to Mexico for some rest and recharge. Weird having a holiday with little to do but it certainly helped refresh after a busy period at work. Over the Summer we celebrated the UK, traveling across Wales, Dorset and Cornwall. Seeing beautiful beaches, stunning shorelines and castles galore! Celebrating a 70th birthday on the Scilly Isles topped it off with hot days, prosecco and gin bars on the beach and activities galore! 2023 has a lot to live up to but it’s a special year so we’ll make it count.?

Football. Another smashing year for both boys - highs and lows in terms of results but Wilks is dominating their league as Under 12s and Euan’s team were promoted mid-season to a higher league. It is strange how you miss standing in the rain or cold when a game is canceled. Sundays just aren’t the same. The boys just excel at it - but also it is two cracking set of parents that we have got to know. Both picked up end of season awards, regular man of the matches but aside from all that they just enjoy it. Which is what matters.

Grow your own: The garden has flourished some more this year ahead of a year off in 2023 (to allow nutrients back in the ground). We’ve managed: Broccoli, strawberries, blackberries, beans, potatoes, leeks, onions, garlic and kale. Oh and what felt like a lifetime supply of raspberries (pretty much filled the freezer). The ability to grow your own I find lovely. To watch as the produce grows. You lose some. You feel a need to check and nurture them. You wonder why some “bolt”. But at the end of the day you are able to harvest a crop. You may be able to store some too. A treat for the family and great to have the children involved.?

Cooking continues to play an important part of my life. An outlet to be creative or immerse myself in a recipe. Continuing to work through #IndianSaturday and dining on #FarEastFriday. My son said I should do more videos of my cooking so now I have a TikTok site (WilkoCooks @lawilks1983) - certainly I need more practice at this in 2023! - The variety of cooking makes for lots of “trying-something-new” along with some regrettable dishes, but if you don’t try then you never know. We sit and have recipe books on shelves but they are meant to be used and working through them like I have been doing provides such delight. So here’s to more cooking and sharing with others in 2023.?

And lastly Penistone. Our home. A community we love so much though we will always be outsiders. The high street and friendly shop owners. The weekly markets. It just makes it feel like home even more. A cafe provides a different working space to your home (and some social interaction), community groups bring hope and joy to people and this year I proudly led the Christmas Santa Sleigh runs with Round Table - bringing Christmas spirit to many and raising money for local causes. Shop local and appreciate what you have locally.?

So 2022 is signing off. A year where I took control of my own self-care. The year that I gave more time to those that mattered. A year of increasing the lego collection, culinary experiences and books a plenty. A time spent with those who are loved ones. A year where I led the local Santa Sleigh Rides raising money for the local community. The year I was nominated for a LandAid award. So much to look back on and be proud of. For 2023 it is a big year. Almost a year in the planning but if I must turn 40, I’ll do it in style. Holidays and more time with family will continue! A year to make the most of my trips to London, spending more time with inspirational people changing the way we live, work and play. But continuing the time for me, including more swimming. The balance of life. Happy New Year to you all from my family to yours.?

Cheers to 2022! And bring it on 2023! The year of the 40th!