Croeso i 2011!

With all best wishes for a great 2011!

Christmas Snowmen!

Despite all the snow outside we never did get round to building an actual snowman - although there were one or two to be found inside in the warm as part of what Martin refers to as my 'Christmas Bling' ...







It nevertheless seemed an appropriate theme for this year's Christmas Cake (which it looks like we'll be eating well into the New Year!):

Back to the Future

Another Snow Cat this time an actual one, padding its way through our overnight snow.  

Another 'snow day' at home as well (although did have 'work' with me to do, having planned ahead based on the weather forecast yesterday).

Did take a break from 'work' work to clear enough snow to get the car back up the drive, as the snow had already begun to compact where Martin had driven out on his way to work this morning.

It took a bit of shovelling, but it's all gritted now so hopefully should be ok.  It does look rather look like someone took a certain DeLorean down our drive though!

Wind and Rain and Ice and Snow

November this year had it all - well for the time of year anyway:

The cold spell is continuing into December, although here on the coast of West Wales we haven't suffered from anything like the snowfall that Scotland and the North of England have seen.  Although at the time of writing more is expected, and we may yet get that White Christmas!

Butterfly!

Mystery solved - finally got a picture with wings open:

Think it's a Small Tortoiseshell butterfly - I've since lost it again (assume it's found a nice warm dark corner to hole up in!).

Snow CAT

Had a trip out today to the Centre of Alternative Technology (CAT) which was hosting a Christmas Fair (and free entry as a bonus!).


Although the rain was busily washing away much of our snow, CAT had benefited from a heavy snowfall yesterday, and there was still a good deal of ice and snow underfoot.  As such it wasn't really the day for looking round.



Managed a walk round some of the 'displays' anyway - including the subterranean 'Mole Hole' - and were greeted wherever we went by some very friendly robins.  Unfortunately they weren't very good at standing still.

The Christmas Fair itself had some good stalls (although some stall-holders hadn't made it thanks to the weather) - got some locally milled wheat flour to make some bread, and this stoneware bunny (or given the size of its ears, maybe a hare) caught my eye . . .




Did eventually get one decent robin shot as well:

Keeping Warm

We're not the only ones staying indoors keeping warm in the current cold snap - the plant in one corner of the front room is currently playing host to a member of the Lepidoptera order:

Only seen it with its wings closed so not sure if we're talking moth or butterfly - hopefully will provide identification in due course - unless someone else has any ideas?