Monday Monday

Gosh we have been back a week now since our fantastic week on the Isle of Wight.  I can't say the weather has been anywhere near as good here!  In fact we have only had one clear sunny day which was yesterday and it is back to grey, damp and miserable again here today.

I had great plans of things I was going to do today, yet all I have done is shower and wash my hair, walk down the road to post a card and a small gift to a friend and knit!  So semi-productive I guess, but not really.

Hopefully I will do better tomorrow.

Friday already?

My Mother in Law has been seriously ill and still is so we have been very worried and pre-occupied with her, so not much to report of late.

I did manage to get some photos taken yesterday and today though.

The Rhododendrons are starting to flower.

The tadpoles are growing.

Gorgeous rose - loving that my roses are starting to bud and bloom.

A piece of work in progress.... - trying to master those dratted rocks!

I painted a Chihuahua model today to look like Percy.

Yes the small black dots are intentional.

I've also started carving again and finished my seventh Hitty doll - just need to make her some clothing and she will be ready to sell.

A Pause in Advent - Two

Joining Floss from Troc Broc & Recup  and friends in taking time out from the rush and panic of Christmas to pause, reflect and enjoy Advent.  

Today is the second Sunday in Advent,and we have been continuing to take things fairly easy, although have a fairly busy week ahead.

I have been enjoying the daily little ornaments to hang on my little wooden Advent tree, and having fun with the Christmas Elf.  Surprisingly even my husband has got into the swing of things with that little Elf.  

The Community Choir I belong to and the Wednesday afternoon singing group have been full of preparation for Christmas Carol Concerts and I am looking forward to these.  We had an impromptu performance last Wednesday afternoon which was very enjoyable indeed.

No real profound words of wisdom or advice from me, just moving through the days with a gentle casualness that I hope will extend over the whole of this season.

I was watching a squirrel in the garden today getting on with his business...and marvelled at the wonder of nature and wildlife so thought I would share these pictures with you.

A few roses, some not at their best but still bravely flowering.  Most have been pruned back, but I try to keep a few flowering all year round to add a splash of colour to brighten the darker days.

Some more decorating will hopefully be happening this week.  There is no rush, what will be done, will be done.

Advent Day Seven

The little ornaments are increasing on the wooden Advent tree.  Today's was a little snowman.

It seems that finally another member of the family has got into the spirit of the Christmas elf, as today when I got up to move him, he had already moved!

I discovered him sitting on the roof of the dolls house.

A rose for December...I braved the cold this morning to take this photo.

Oh and the woodpecker came back for another visit yesterday afternoon.

Monday fungi, walk & flowers, oh and a dog with a big bone!

Although still suffering from the dreaded lurgy I decided to forge ahead with my planned walk today.  I am trying to go everyday of the week (except the weekends when it is busy).  I missed last Friday as was too ill and it was pouring with rain in the morning.  Today it was just overcast.

I took rather a lot of photos again as Percy and I meandered along through the woods, fields and to the water garden where we sat for a while and just enjoyed being and listening to the birds.

I love the way this fungi looks - almost alien like.

Just look at this unusual set.

Lily pads in the pond.

Okay so probably fungi overload but they are fascinating me at the moment.

I was surprised to see these sweet little plants growing here.  Such a pretty colour, they have come up since last week.

'Knarly buttons'

Shelter over the stream

A man sitting and contemplating.

Percy enjoys a rather large bone from the butcher today.

Not sure what is bigger, the dog or his bone!

Today's rose.

Over the fence this morning