Deep and crisp and even

Greetings friends. I hope by now you are well advanced with your festive preparations.

This little angel that I made the year after I was married puts in an appearance each Christmas. When my children were little they used to wait excitedly each year for her to emerge from the box of trimmings.

Putting her away after Christmas was always difficult and one year the children hid her in a secret place so that she didn't have to live in her box all year. She popped out of her hiding place throughout that year, always with the same cheeky smile. She's a great friend.

This year the little angel is sitting on the mantel with a few other vintage family favourites.

Well folks, if you are one of the people I complained to last week saying that we rarely have snow here in Lakeland I am now feeling rather silly as it has been snowing for several days. Happily, for once, I have completed my Christmas shopping and so now only require the bare essentials.

This was our lane yesterday when husband and daughter decided to walk into town to collect a few bits and pieces (daughter took the camera!)

Can there be a prettier winter scene than one of freshly fallen snow?

When outside is cold and cloaked in white then inside always feels so much more snug and warm don't you think?

When my two willing shoppers reached the town they found the roads relatively quiet (usually traffic is nose to tail at this time of year).

The car park at the supermarket was also quiet.

Many customers had come on foot

or by train

Needless to say, inside the supermarket was as busy as ever with Christmas shoppers.

Once our items were paid for and packed

the journey home could begin.

The sky was heavy with snow.

Down our lane the woolly sheep were munching their lunch

And back at home I had prepared a warming morsel for the two returning travellers.

After lunch, with energy restored, my daughter helped me put the final touches to the decorations.

We have a very high ceiling in our hall and with the help of a fluffy duster on a long stick my daughter was just able to reach the rogue cobwebs that (shame on me) I had failed to remove!

It was my job then to ensure there were no offenders on the chandelier.

I confess we don't have this lit so often these days as we are well aware of the power it wastes!

You might remember I bought a little fir tree a couple of weeks ago that was apparently not fit for purpose. The seller declared it to be too thin and the wrong shape so it would be disposed of. Needless to say I took pity on the little fir and brought it home.

And here it is, standing resplendent in our hall. Recently I inherited my parent's Christmas decorations and so have used these to trim the little tree and doesn't it look colourful.

There were a number of baubles remaining and so these I have places in a pretty glass bowl where they sit gleaming on the hall table.

And so with decorations complete it was time to pack a few gifts and who better to distribute them than Santa Mouse. And here he is waiting patiently in the snow with his sack stuffed full of 'goodies'.

Wishing you all a Very Happy Christmas

Until next time,
Eli

Comments

[Jenny]

love it!

[Marqueta]

Dear Eli,

Wow, I think you've had more snow than we! It's beautiful.

I can see why you might not be able to get all the cobwebs in that corner~I'm a little afraid of heights, and I'm not sure I could manage it!

The little cast-off tree looks very nice, indeed.

And your little angel, what a cute story. I can definitely see my girls doing that!

I hope you have a most wonderful, merry Christmas with your dear family.

Love,

Marqueta

[Martha]

Beautiful post, as always! Merry Christmas, Eli!!
♥♥♥

[Paula]

Dear Eli,

I always enjoy your beautiful posts... your lovely photos and reading about your activities. For something wonderful is always happening at your Flutterby Patch, and you write about it in such a delightful way!

The angel you made is so sweet! I love how your children adored her so much that they kept her out one year. Your mantel is beautiful, and your home is beautiful! We are kindred spirits, old-fashioned, and love decorating that way! It was wonderful to get a peek into your lovely home!

The snow is beautiful! I am so glad you have it to enjoy! The train was wonderful to see, and all of the last minute Christmas shoppers at the market. I think the photo with the sheep would make a lovely Christmas card!

I love the little fir tree you rescued. It was meant for all of those gorgeous ornaments from your parent's collection. The surplus looks stunning in the bowl. Isn't it wonderful to decorate with things that are so well loved and stir warm and happy memories in your heart.

Your santa mouse is adorable, Eli! You are such a fabulous knitter and I love how you share your sweet creations in a life-like manner. What a dear he is!

Wishing you and all of your dear ones a very Merry Christmas!
Much love, Paula

[Goosey]

Lovely snow pictures, we haven't had any snow yet down in this part of Dorset but not far from us there is plenty! We have had lethal black ice though!
Have a wonderful Christmas.

[Suzanne]

Eli, a lovely post as usual, feel like I was in England with you in your cozy home:-) Merry Christmas to you and yours! Hope your back is better--no reaching to dust...LOL!

[Debbie]

Merry Christmas, have a wonderful day.

[Xenon HID]

The blog posting good & attractive.thanks

[clarice]

Just all sooo beautiful,
very merry Christmas wishes. Clarice

[Erin]

Merry Christmas Eli!

Your winter wonderland is so perfect! Enjoy being with family!

Erin :)

[Rhondi]

Hi Eli
I hope you had a very happy Christmas. Everything looks so beautiful in the snow and your house looks very festive and cosy too. My prayer for you is for a healthy and prosperous new year.
Hugs, Rhondi

[Wee Cute Treasures]

Hi Eli

What gorgeous photos you have shared with us all again. Your home is so so beautiful. Just want to wish you and your family a very happy 2010. I look forward to keeping in touch through out the coming year. Big Hug from Carol x