One Year Gone - Time for an Annual Review!

I can't believe it's been a year already.  It's scary how time seems to accelerate as you get older - I know that's the case, but I'm still surprised when I experience it myself.  When I started this blog, I listed six things I'd like to achieve in 2019, with the promise of a review at the end of the year.  There were also two unwritten, but implied, objectives - which I'll mention too.  You can see my objectives here: Plans for 2019 Before digging into the detailed review, a quick overview of the first year.

It has not been as I'd expected.  First I seem to be far busier than I thought with far more on my 'to do' list each day and at the end of the day, less done than anticipated.  But that's OK, because there is always tomorrow.  Overall it's been good.  I've spent more time outdoors.  I'm living a more laid back existence - always ready to stop what I'm doing when Linda or Cordelia utter the magic incantation of "do you fancy a cup of tea".  Any regrets about retiring - absolutely none!

I've spent far more time in coffee shops than I ever used to pre-retirement.  My dad recently moved to Bracknell and previously I met him in town for a coffee on a Saturday.  Now we meet two days a week.  Plus, of course, I'm often in town with Linda and I'll also slip in for a quick coffee when I'm by myself, for a relaxing break with a newspaper.  In fact, if you're ever in Bracknell, there's a reasonable chance you'll find me if you pop into Brown Bag.  Of course Covid-19 has bought that activity to an abrupt halt!

And speaking of Covid-19, it would be impossible to review the past 12 months without a mention.  The response to the pandemic has literally changed everything.  In a year of significant events, this trumps all else.  Brexit becomes a footnote.  A new prime minister and a game changing general election seems yesterdays news.  My personal plans for travel and completing National Trails have both been put on hold.  My finely honed retirement income plan has taken a hit.

Back to the review.  First, the two implied objectives.  From the first entry of the blog, it's clear that my intent was to make regular updates - however that clearly hasn't happened.  I have no excuse - other stuff distracted me and the blog kinda slipped off my radar.  Oh well - let's see if I can do better over the next 12 months. The other implication was that my 2019 plans would be reviewed at the end of 2019 - again a clear failure on my part, but better late than never, so here we go....

Objective 1: The Shed 

First major failure.  Nothing has happened.  Well almost nothing - I did get Cordelia to clear the pile of rotting firewood that was leaning against the side of the shed, so the shed looks very slightly neater, but nothing that I can take credit for. Score 0/10

Objective 2: The Climbing Frame

Second major failure.  Nothing positive has happened.  A few more rotting bits have fallen off and brambles are growing up within the structure. Score 0/10

Objective 3: The Garden

The orchard, looking neater than usual!

A success!  I've spent a lot of time in the garden over the past year and several significant improvements have been made, including the areas mentioned in my objectives.  The gardening enthusiasm has continued on into 2020 and I'm pretty happy with how things are going.  For some more photos of garden progress click here: Garden Pics June 2020  Score 10/10

Objective 4: Walking

Mostly successful.  I walked two national trails: Hadrian's Wall Trail and South Downs Way and also completed the Three Castles Path.  However, despite walking two less national trails than intended, I also completed some other significant walks including the West Devon Way and the Galilee Trail which I feel slightly mitigates the national trail miss.  Walking in 2020 has taken a back seat due to Covid-19, although with lockdown measures being eased, I managed to get in a thirty miler on my birthday.  Score 7/10

Objective 5: Laser Cutting

Mostly unsuccessful.  I've done a few minor projects and some further improvements to the wargaming scenery I'd made, but nowhere near the amount I'd hoped and certainly not to a point of being able to sell anything.  Best project of the year - the advent calendar I made for Linda, lot's of brownie points gained from that one.  Score 4/10

Objective 6: Travel

A success!  From June to January, I've been away with Linda to the New Forest, Hereford, Exeter, Weston-super-Mare, Bogner Regis, Bournemouth, the Lake District, Gibraltar and Israel.  (I've also been away by myself, LARPing, with Cordelia to Plymouth and with Tazmin to the New Forest - but for the purpose of this objective, it only counts if Linda is with me).  Since the target was at least once a month, then I've over achieved in this one. Obviously for 2020 Covid has stepped in. Score 10/10.

Summary

So overall that's 31/60, not really very impressive and definite room for improvement.  My family were suggesting to me that my objectives were unrealistic but I don't think I agree.  What about next years objectives - well let's start with just one objective - come up with a list before the end of June.  That'll do for now.  My next post will be a one year review of the state of my pension - probably more interesting than I wanted it to be, given the impact that Covid-19 has had.