Christmas around the house -

Decorating underway - nothing new added except traditional English crackers

 to pull Christmas Eve. Greenery will be added to the mantel in about a week

Just the usual much-loved objects. Some in the same place, others moved 

about displayed in fresh vignettes.

I still have to decorate the tree outside in the gazebo - later today when it

warms up a bit - and Bob will connect the floodlights to give the cottage

a little glow to warm the dark nights ahead.

Christmas is coming. Just 14 days to go!

All that glitters. . . . . . .

Busy days, but I do take time to think of you all.  

Know you too are sharing in the rushing about, putting the 

finishing touches necessary when preparing for this great holiday.

Several things have kept me extra busy and now I'm looking forward. . . . . 

actually deeply longing. . . . .for time to stay home and catch up during

 those cold January days ahead here in the northern part of the planet.

A crackling fire on the hearth, candlelight reflecting off festive baubles,

 fragrant wood smoke from chimneys, birds at the feeders, squirrels circling

 the tree trunks as they climb to their high nests. Leftover mince pies - hopefully

some remain after Christmas Eve, eggnog laced with brandy, hot

 chocolate in a favorite winter mug, warming pots of tasty soup with 
crunchy farm bread and lots of butter, a glass of sherry to toast those
we love who are not close by but are in our thoughts.

As I said - thinking of you and wishing you well this holiday season.