We've Decorated the Tree

I've had such an exhausting day, so I'm taking myself off to bed shortly. But before I go, I'll just introduce you to 'Glittery' the mouse angel. The newest addition to our tree decorations. 

J. X

Dried Orange Slices

 

Those bells are still hiding somewhere. I'm sure they will turn up tomorrow, once I open up the Christmas boxes and unwrap all the tree decorations. I am looking forward to finally having the tree in the house, although I expect Mog will probably just raise her eyebrows in typical cat fashion, as if to say 'here we go again!' I don't mind, she's always been very good with anything like that. The first year she was with us, she climbed up into the tree but she was much smaller then, I doubt she would manage it now even if she tried. She will occassionally tap at the baubles on the lower branches but that's all. I realise I'm very lucky. 

It's been a busy day. Time has passed quickly at work, which is always enjoyable at this time of year. Exhausting, but definitely a lot of fun.

The storm has been wreaking havoc throughout the afternoon and although the strong winds are beginning to die down now, I can still hear sudden gusts against the windows. I do hope there won't be too much damage.

During a short break this morning, I took the time to dry some orange slices ready for when we decorate the tree tomorrow. I did this for the first time last year and I loved how they turned out. They looked so pretty hung from the tree branches with the warm glow from the fairy lights shining against them.

Some drying methods require the oranges to be in a low oven for several hours, but I sliced mine thinly, then placed them on a wire rack, and they took just 45 minutes at 120°, turning halfway through.

Tomorrow  I will thread them with some floristry wire and if I'm feeling fancy, I might even add some ribbon :)

J. X

Bringing Home the Tree

 

This year, we didn't have very far to travel at all to get our tree, as it has spent the last twelve months quite happily in the garden. I've been keeping it in the pot for now, making sure to keep it well watered during the summer months but I expect I will plant it out properly some time in the new year.

My personal preference is for a real tree. For several years, when Lily was very small, and for the first Christmas after we got Mog, we used an artificial tree, but for me it just wasn't quite the same. I love the irregularity of a real tree, the imperfections, the scent and yes, even the needles which always get absolutely everywhere. But...it has to still be growing. With roots. In a pot. 

When I see cut trees, it makes me sad. I know, I know. This probably makes me sound a little bit weird to most people, but it's just how I feel. 

Anyway, with the forecast looking a bit damp for the next few days and Lily intent on decorating the tree on the 8th this year (because that is how old she is, of course!) this evening, after school, between us we carefully carried the tree into the porch to give enough time for the branches to dry out. It is looking surprisingly fresh and even survived being blown over in the recent storm. But regardless, I think most trees look pretty once adorned with fairy lights and some favourite decorations. 

Being a little impatient, we made a start by decorating the small tree instead. This one was looking a little sparse by comparison, but with the addition of a small string of lights and a few simple star decorations (I still need to find the little bells), it is beginning to look lovely and festive. 

J. X

Later than Planned

 

This morning we set out to complete the walk I had originally planned for last weekend. It was a cold bright start to the day and I was looking forward to spending even just a short time up on the fells. 

Setting off from the village our route passed alongside a stream. The water looked incredibly clear but I imagine it would have been icy cold.

Climbing higher, we could see snow on the mountains in the distance.

 

The wind picked up a little at this point but unsurprisingly this Herdy didn't appear to be concerned. I could use a warm jumper like that. 

Climbing higher still, the ground beneath our feet became wintry and we pulled our scarves right up to protect  from the icy chill. The freezing winds occasionally blowing snow across the fellside and making our faces glow. We didn't stay for long at the summit, just enough to be able to take in the views. 

And for me to exact my revenge...

J. X