And We Shall Have Snow!

Sunday morning brought the first snow of 2026 - just a light covering, which gradually melted away over the course of the day, but it was nice to see while it lasted.

Then this morning - on Twelfth Night no less - we opened the curtains to a real Winter Wonderland.

(Couldn't resist a quick snap of the Tree - soon to be dismantled until December rolls round again - but for once with an actual snowy scene outside the window).

It continued to snow for a while, before giving way to a beautiful crisp sunny morning:

In the afternoon we headed out with our snow boots on for a walk in the sunshine.  (Couldn't go further afield as our road appears to be off the gritting route now, and it stayed snow-bound for the rest of the day). 

It was just lovely though - felt a bit like being back in Norway, with the snow all crisp and white and sparkling in the sunshine.

Took lots of photos and enjoyed it while we could - before tomorrow's rain washes it all away . . .

Welcome to 2026!

Wishing everyone all the best for a happy and healthy year ahead.
Let's hope it brings a little peace and sanity - Remember to 'Be Kind'!

In the absence of fireworks, here is one of nature's wonders - today's prom murmuration was truly rather special.  

Christmas Things

 And on to Christmas . . .

Didn't have to do much food shopping / preparation this year, as off to stay with family across country for the Christmas festivities.

The local farm milk vending machine had a lovely idea though - and those tiny milk bottles always make me think of the milk we had in primary school back in the day (and longer ago than I care to think!).

Nice to spend time with parents and family - had a lovely dinner, and a crisp sunny walk with the dog on Boxing Day morning, taking in a festive postbox topper along the way . . .     

And yes, she'd have been in there after the geese given half a chance!

Back to Wales, and another topper (a giant Christmas bauble mouse house) on display in Welshpool on our way through.  The work people put into these is just amazing!

Home to reheat the house, unpack the bags, and plan for round 2 with family here.

Hope you all had a good one!

Winter Sea and Sky

The year is drawing to its close, the Winter Solstice has passed and Christmas is following fast on its heels, with all its hustle and bustle - time for a couple of peaceful images from December walks on the prom, sea and sky:

Lego Land

It's been a bit of a 'Lego' year - which of course leaves me with the question of what to do with all the finished models.  

The 'Lighthouse' has its home on the storage chest by the french doors - but 'Rivendell' is a bit more problematic, given both its size, and relative fragility (all those trees).  In the end decided to house it in one of the display cabinets - where it's protected from knocks (and dust!).  

With the addition of some lighting (thanks Martin!), I can still see and enjoy it (although I had to separate it into its sections as it was still slightly too big to fit when connected as a whole).

'Tudor Corner' currently sits at the end of the sofa - but may yet find its way to the same cabinet (just one shelf down).

Then there's the seasonal 'Christmas' display (including the 'Lighthouse' which has been displaced by the Tree) which incorporates the new 'Alpine Lodge' alongside last year's 'Holiday Main Street':

Have to keep an eye on things mind you, as a certain person finds it most amusing to swap things around when I'm not looking:

Rainbow Day

It has been an autumn of rainbows - but this one, just outside our door, was particularly fine . . .

Christmas Starts Here . . .

Time for some Christmas 'bling' methinks . . . 

Have to make the most of it - especially as 'constructing' the tree is a right faff (only exceeded by that of deconstructing it again).  Fair play though, it has done us well, over 20 years of Christmases and hopefully a few more to come!