Finally I can add mine to this already gorgeous mix - I’m sitting with advent candle lit, calming diffuser going with gingerbread spice oil ( it’s Tisserand so “ proper” not nasty fake stuff) and carols playing softly. We had our first mince pies made with my homemade mincemeat last night. Tree is up with lights but no decorations yet - slowly does it! And a card letter arrived from a cousin in Canada I only hear from at this time of year - and with it a flood of precious memories from our childhoods before they emigrated in the mid 50’s when I was very small. Seasonal nostalgia - a very potent, heart stirring thing!
Sue, I haven't been able to find your email address but thank you so much for the card and present! So unexpected and lovely. I am saving the present for Christmas Eve, as directed xx
I went to Westonbirt in the mist this week. It was splendid, full of bird life too. I stood near a magnificent beech and watched a flock of various tits and a mistle thrush (very festive) foraging in the fallen leaves. 🍂
I went to the Christmas Markets in Düsseldorf as a birthday treat with my sister - we also found an amazing place full of the most beautiful cakes, desserts, and chocolates. We brought home chocolate champagne truffles, stollen and the most charming little wooden Christmas tree 🎄
I had a lovely day doing Christmassy shopping on a sunny and frosty afternoon visiting Manchester Christmas markets, very busy but very festive. And the Christmas snack table has had to be replenished as we have taken full advantage of the snacking - currently consists of bowls of honey roasted peanuts, cheesy biscuits, Quality Street and the king of Christmas past - orange Matchmakers.
I’m now well into Nigel Slaters Christmas Chronicles. It comes off my bookshelf every year in November and Decembers section is particularly lovely, it is my winter advent. Also it’s the office Christmas party tonight so the glitter is coming out!
I wish - I stood very still and she eyed me up as she pecked at some crumbs before a jackdaw scared her away .. last time I saw one was spring I think but getting rarer x
That’s beautiful Emma - one of my favourites too. I sometimes see a pair in my garden in Wooler. Do you know the poem The Darkling Thrush by Thomas Hardy?
Pacing is perfect, and offers more time to reflect.
Three things: gathering evergreens, seedheads and hips from the garden to weave into a wreath; wrapping presents whilst listening to the Ffern December podcast; a cold riverside walk where both colour and sound felt flat and thin. (Husband tells me this is because sound waves travel differently when it's cold.)
Last night I ate panettone for the first time. It was served with hot custard and was absolutely delicious! We aren't having a tree this year because the cats are too troublesome, so we've begun decking the hall with strings of baubles instead. Slow and steady's the way. The flat is gradually filling up with red and gold shimmers and sparkles, and winking lights.
Edward Scissorhands at Sadler’s Wells last night, with a neighbour, a wintry tableau. Decorations box down from the ‘loft’ (top of the wardrobe). Concentrating on just lighting the hallway and a few old favourite baubles this year. Candles and fairy lights to take me to the New Year.
This week has been all handcrafts for me as I decided at the last minute to offer a craft tutorial advent calendar. There is a frenzy of creativity and none of it is for gifts! Out in the world it is time for the red berries of holly and nandina. I haven’t decorated either -- unless you count finally buying a timer for the outdoor lights we never took down two years ago. To say I am feeling behind on everything would be an understatement! Just taking this month one day at a time.
Ooh wow! Sounds beautiful. We went about 10 years ago in late November for my birthday and it was sooo festive and atmospheric in snow. Sitting outside sipping mulled wine under blankets in the Square by the Astronomical clock was a “ pinch- me” moment!
"Glögg" with raisins and almonds at the last swedish class of this term.
I like the sound of Glogg - looking that up !
Finally I can add mine to this already gorgeous mix - I’m sitting with advent candle lit, calming diffuser going with gingerbread spice oil ( it’s Tisserand so “ proper” not nasty fake stuff) and carols playing softly. We had our first mince pies made with my homemade mincemeat last night. Tree is up with lights but no decorations yet - slowly does it! And a card letter arrived from a cousin in Canada I only hear from at this time of year - and with it a flood of precious memories from our childhoods before they emigrated in the mid 50’s when I was very small. Seasonal nostalgia - a very potent, heart stirring thing!
Sue, I haven't been able to find your email address but thank you so much for the card and present! So unexpected and lovely. I am saving the present for Christmas Eve, as directed xx
I went to Westonbirt in the mist this week. It was splendid, full of bird life too. I stood near a magnificent beech and watched a flock of various tits and a mistle thrush (very festive) foraging in the fallen leaves. 🍂
A flurry of snow and the trains are running late. A midwinter confusion of frozen commuters. Hot toddies round the fire pit to end the week.
I went to the Christmas Markets in Düsseldorf as a birthday treat with my sister - we also found an amazing place full of the most beautiful cakes, desserts, and chocolates. We brought home chocolate champagne truffles, stollen and the most charming little wooden Christmas tree 🎄
That sounds fabulous!
I had a lovely day doing Christmassy shopping on a sunny and frosty afternoon visiting Manchester Christmas markets, very busy but very festive. And the Christmas snack table has had to be replenished as we have taken full advantage of the snacking - currently consists of bowls of honey roasted peanuts, cheesy biscuits, Quality Street and the king of Christmas past - orange Matchmakers.
Orange Matchmakers! Yesss!
Loooove the Christmas snack table idea! Anyone remember coffee matchmakers?
I don’t remember those, but now I want one!
I’m now well into Nigel Slaters Christmas Chronicles. It comes off my bookshelf every year in November and Decembers section is particularly lovely, it is my winter advent. Also it’s the office Christmas party tonight so the glitter is coming out!
I’m reading along too - and listening to it on Audible as my bedtime story. His voice ......dreamy.
Yep, add me to the legion of Christmas Chronicles re-readers!
I just bought it this year .. wonderful x
Just one from me this week - spotting the most elegant, speckled song thrush on my frosted shed roof. A simple moment with my favourite bird x
Oh that’s beautiful! I hardly ever see them these days. Photo on Sunday?
I wish - I stood very still and she eyed me up as she pecked at some crumbs before a jackdaw scared her away .. last time I saw one was spring I think but getting rarer x
That’s beautiful Emma - one of my favourites too. I sometimes see a pair in my garden in Wooler. Do you know the poem The Darkling Thrush by Thomas Hardy?
Haven’t read it for many years .. until just now - Thankyou Sue - perfect ! X
Wow, I haven’t seen one for ages either, what a treat.
Pacing is perfect, and offers more time to reflect.
Three things: gathering evergreens, seedheads and hips from the garden to weave into a wreath; wrapping presents whilst listening to the Ffern December podcast; a cold riverside walk where both colour and sound felt flat and thin. (Husband tells me this is because sound waves travel differently when it's cold.)
Very interesting tidbit about the sound waves
Last night I ate panettone for the first time. It was served with hot custard and was absolutely delicious! We aren't having a tree this year because the cats are too troublesome, so we've begun decking the hall with strings of baubles instead. Slow and steady's the way. The flat is gradually filling up with red and gold shimmers and sparkles, and winking lights.
I fancy panettone and custard!
Edward Scissorhands at Sadler’s Wells last night, with a neighbour, a wintry tableau. Decorations box down from the ‘loft’ (top of the wardrobe). Concentrating on just lighting the hallway and a few old favourite baubles this year. Candles and fairy lights to take me to the New Year.
This week has been all handcrafts for me as I decided at the last minute to offer a craft tutorial advent calendar. There is a frenzy of creativity and none of it is for gifts! Out in the world it is time for the red berries of holly and nandina. I haven’t decorated either -- unless you count finally buying a timer for the outdoor lights we never took down two years ago. To say I am feeling behind on everything would be an understatement! Just taking this month one day at a time.
An unexpected but immediate landing into Christmas as we stepped off the plane in Prague into snow and the scent of mulling.
Ooh wow! Sounds beautiful. We went about 10 years ago in late November for my birthday and it was sooo festive and atmospheric in snow. Sitting outside sipping mulled wine under blankets in the Square by the Astronomical clock was a “ pinch- me” moment!
Feeling slightly light-shamed by the neighbours for not having festooned the silver birch in my front garden yet. Another job for the weekend.....
Standing in line at the Post Office, part of a lengthening queue of people with parcels to send! Also, I opened the sherry this week...
that wonderful "creaky" sound of walking on new dry snow !!!