The season of light. . . . . . . . .

As mentioned previously, the cottage had a face lift this autumn.

We addressed the needed wood repairs and re-painting with a total

 re-siding with HardiePlank - and are thrilled with the fresh look.

Of course the shrubs had to be cut down and it will be a while before

 they fill in again around the foundation - another spring/summer

 without the beautiful blue hydrangeas perhaps.

Leaves, from mostly oaks, continue to fall. We've raked tons and have

 tons more to come down over the coming weeks.

The pots contain spring blooming tulip bulbs topped with pansies - those hardy

lovelies which over-winter so well.

This photo is just at dusk so you can see the Christmas decor a little better. . . . . . 

once darkness takes over the flood lights we have installed on the grass are

 rather bright for good photos.

The restoration of the back deck and gazebo was, as I've moaned and

 groaned about a lot lately, a job which was not expected to last so long!

All the cedar was replaced around the gazebo and deck base, the three  

sets of steps were re-built, a couple of deck posts replaced, everything

washed, sanded back to raw wood, then re-stained - he even sanded all

 the edges of the cedar roof shakes so they would look smooth again.

A thorough job by a very good carpenter.

It's now completed, and just in time as much colder weather has arrived,

 including some rain which turned to a light snow today - but nothing

stuck and tomorrow the sunshine should return.

The Christmas tree is up and decorated. . . . . . all looks really bright

 and cheery for the holidays.

I missed my cottage Christmas last year when we traveled to Europe. . . . . . so this

 year I'm enjoying having time to do all the traditional things which make Christmas

 at home so special.