On Tuesday this week I will have been blogging for a whole year. A whole year of writing about what I have been up to. And I have loved it so much that I plan to do it for another year – if you’ll keep reading?

Writing this blog has sometimes made me do things I wouldn’t ordinarily, I have sought out activities and venues to try just in case there would be a blog in it! Which has exposed me to some fantastic sights and meant I have met some great new people. But I have found that has time has gone on it has become less about local events and more about me and my thoughts, my opinions and my family. This process was probably inevitable as I succumbed to the attraction of having a public arena where I can air those thoughts and opinions, maybe to find other likeminded souls or look for acceptance? I have never actively tried to be provocative, or sought your approval or comment but I am always happy when it becomes a two-way conversation, even if it’s only me doing the talking. I love that you take the time to respond to me and I really appreciate my regular readers!

So going forward there will probably be minimal changes to my blogs. I have loved doing my Top Tens and plan to do more! I probably will talk more about my work and people I have met and continue to try and include as many regional activities as I have time to experience. I'll still be the Reluctant Housewife - unhappy with her chores - despite the fact I now work nearly full time.

One major change however is one that marks the passage of my blogging time – Baby turned two a couple of weeks ago and I think he can no longer be referred to as Baby. How time flies and how quickly they grow up? From now on Baby will be called Boy – which he is, but was also the lifelong nickname of my beloved and recently departed Granddad.

So nothing more to report from me this week but I didn’t want the day to pass without recognising what has been such an important and fun part of my life for the past year.

But to finish (just because I love them) here is the Top Ten of things I have done that I think most happily sum up my first blogging year:

ONE: Sung in front of a paying audience as part of a choir

TWO: Been published nationally for money

THREE: Met my favourite author

FOUR: Spoken twice on live radio

FIVE: Took the plunge and employed a babysitter so Husband and I can go out as a couple again!

SIX: Swam in the sea

SEVEN: Started back at work

EIGHT: Volunteered for a charity

NINE: Taken up knitting and met a group of fellow crafty crafters!

TEN: Met some absolutely brilliant new friends as a direct result of this blog.

And so Gentle Reader (I have always wanted to be able to write that) thanks for your time, it has been wonderful.

Until next time...RH xx