Snowflakes and Christmas Lights

 

In sharp contrast to yesterday, this morning dawned bright and clear. There had been a light frost overnight. The grass sparkled and the water had frozen on the bird feeder. Unusually for me, on such a beautiful day, I was in no hurry to leave the house. A gentle morning pottering indoors was more enticing and resulted in the last of the fairy lights being hung across the kitchen, the muddle of boots getting cleared from the hallway and many, many tiny pieces of paper scattered all across the table.

The mess was worth it, however. Seventeen paper snowflakes and four sore fingers later, one 'fairly' impressed little girl, and and the dining room window is now finally decorated. I say fairly impressed, as Lily was hoping to contribute more than she did but, unfortunately, the thickness of the folded paper meant the cutting out was a little too difficult for her. She did, however, enjoy very carefully unfolding the paper triangles to reveal the finished snowflakes. These were not always a complete surprise to me, as to make things easier, I'd printed off some templates I had found online. You can probably tell which ones from the above photograph.

This evening we took a trip into town. Once again, it was good to see people out and about, shopping safely, enjoying drinks outside cafes. 

Having already completed my Christmas shopping it was lovely to just walk through the streets and admire the displays. So many beautiful lights.

I'm almost ready for Christmas now. I've still some presents to wrap and I'm looking forward baking our gingerbread house tomorrow. 

J.X

Winter Solstice

It was another early start for me this morning. Mog was my alarm, deciding she needed me as a companion to begin the day with. I can't understand why she chooses to do this sometimes, other than to simply annoy me. Outside appeared grey and gloomy, and I was glad of the warm glow from the lights on the Christmas tree.

It was a gentle start to my day, however. A quiet house, several mugs of coffee and a good blog catch up. I always appreciate the opportunity to read uninterrupted.

After lunch we went out for our Midwinter walk. The sky a pewter grey and the still damp air somehow seemed appropriate for the shortest day of the year. We needed to wear our wellies again, the ground gets so muddy beneath the trees. 

We walked up the hill and through the field where we'd gathered blackberries at the end of the summer. It seems such a long time ago now and yet no time at all. The ever changing seasons marking the passing of time with reassuring constancy.

Winter is upon us. A time to retreat, light candles and hunker down at home, as we begin our gradual return towards light and warmth.  

Solstice blessings.

J. X

Mince Pies and Music

What better way to spend a damp grey morning on the run up to Christmas, than in the cosy warmth of the kitchen, making mince pies. Yes, this morning I finally got around to baking my first batch of the festive season and they are already disappearing fast. This must be the latest I've ever left it, temptation usually getting the better of me, but I expect I'll be making even more before the week is over. My star pastry cutter has been working extremely hard this year. ✩✩✩

Once cooled the mince pies were treated to a generous dusting of icing sugar, with six of them being set aside to be delivered along with some Christmas gifts later in the day.

Shortly after lunch, and being careful to dodge the heavy rain showers, we made a visit to the farm shop to buy some cheese. They have a wonderful cheese counter there, and there is usually something just a little bit different to try. At the moment, their selection is quite limited but we were able to get what we wanted, including my festive favourite, Wensleydale with cranberries. 

To get us in the Christmas mood, there was a concert band in the courtyard playing carols. A much welcome slice of normality in these ever changing times and some delightful background music to our visit.

This evening I've tidied my baking cupboard again, I'm terrible at not putting things away neatly. I also like to do a quick inventory occasionally, just so I can know exactly what's in there. If I'm not careful I end up getting all sorts of ingredients when I'm at the supermarket 'just in case,' and before I know it I have a cupboard full of cinnamon, ground almonds and cornflour. 

J. X

 

December Sky

The first morning of my Christmas holiday and I woke at 6 o'clock! The trouble with regular early starts is that they are a hard habit to break. Not to mind. It gave me the opportunity to enjoy a coffee in the peace and quiet of the early hours. In fact, for longer than I anticipated, Lily didn't come downstairs until 8.30. Unlike me, she clearly doesn't have a problem with being able to sleep late. As a way to get into the festive spirit, I added some cinnamon and cloves to the cafetiere. I can definitely recommend this, it tasted delicious, although I do have some proper festive coffee which I'm keeping until later in the week.

Following a busy few days, I spent much of the morning catching up on those chores that were overlooked during the week, mainly the ironing. It always feels good to get it out of the way. The house has begun to look a bit of a mess, with pine needles on the carpet, Christmas wrapping, cards and empty boxes scattered over the dining table, Nativity costumes on the clothes airer and, since this afternoon, wellies and outdoor clothes strewn across the hallway. I'll need to get it all in hand over the next few days, as it's only going to get worse as the week continues.

After lunch we went out for a walk. I'd been stuck indoors all of yesterday and had been hankering after some fresh air and the chance to stretch my legs. Also, after a demanding week, it felt good to switch off wind down, and relax into the Christmas break.

 

Although rain had originally been forecast, it stayed fine for the whole time we were out. We went through the fields and around by the pond. A well trodden route, it's familiarity a comfort to us during this uncertain time. And clearly for others as well, given how muddy the tracks had become.

Through the woods and past the stream, the bare trees silhouetted against the sky looked undeniably wintry, a reminder the solstice is just a few days away now. This year, more than usual I'm looking forward to this marking of the lengthening of our days.

This evening, I've been to the supermarket and have managed to get most of my Christmas food shopping. That's another thing off my list, and now all I only really need to do is get the cheese from the farm shop later this week. 

J. X