Advent Calender ~ Day 20

 Presents wrapped and ready to be exchanged.

Turkey and duck waiting in the freezer

Mince pies baked and stored in my favourite Christmas tin

 

Time to put my feet up and relax...........

 

Advent Calender ~ Day 19

Our annual visit to the Christmas shop in Stratford upon Avon

 

Advent Calender ~ Day 17 & 18

Oh dear I missed yesterday's window:( I'm getting like my children who end up having to eat a couple of chocolates from their advent calendar. Does that happen in your household?;)

Only daughter and only dog were mountain biking yesterday in the forest at Cannock Chase. I drove up to fetch pup and go for a short walk. Such a pretty scene surrounded by trees

 

It's time to bake those mince pies. Last year I added extra dried cranberries to the fruit mince which went down very well.  I think I will do the same again this year.





Advent Calender ~ Day 16

 

All the shopping and preparing for Christmas calls for a little me time

Orange and cranberry muffin

Gingerbread Latte

Advent Calender ~ Day 15

 

 

I think this is the only glimpse of snow we're going to get this side of Christmas

Advent Calender ~ Day 14

 

Another childhood Christmas decoration that has stayed with me

 

 



Advent calender ~ Day 13

The Christmas tree is dressed

 

 



Advent Calender ~ Day 12



O star of wonder, star of night, 

Star with royal beauty bright, 

Westward leading, still proceeding, 

Guide us to thy perfect Light. 

Advent Calender ~ Day 11

At last we have been to the Christmas tree farm

 

 

 

 

Advent Calender ~ Day 10

Well today was supposed to be our tree picking day, but we have run out of time.  It's a slow, enjoyable task, choosing our christmas tree.  It will always be a Norwegian Spruce and we take our time enjoying the music and having fun around the trees.  Tomorrow will be our day for tree picking.
Today's Advent calender gives you a view of a family tradition and the humour of my man and twenty something children :-)



Advent Calender ~ Day 8 & 9

Apologies for missing yesterday's window, my reception was not good  and we travelled home from Bath quite late. I had a wonderful weekend browsing, spending, enveloping myself in all things Christmassy.

The smell of Christmas - Garlands

 

The tastes of Christmas - Roasted Chestnuts

Advent Calender ~ Day 7

 

A special treat on this seventh day of advent ~ two windows:)

 



 

 A visit to Bath and a shoppers carol service in Bath Abbey

 

 

My first visit to Bath Christmas market ; what a treat.

Advent Calendar ~ Day 6

Our precious cocker who loves to be a part of family occassions, especially where there is food involved

Advent calendar ~ Day 5

 

Not a recent photo but I do like this little group of snowmen

Somewhere in Shropshire....

There is something about wooden stiles in England that are such a representation of the freedom we have here. The fact that we have open passage through farmlands  always amazes me.
We have enjoyed these walks into the heart of the country as the children were growing and now as adults, especially with a cocker who loves the freedom of these byways.



A stile always gives one the promise of something unexpected on the other side. Come with me on a walk through the Shropshire countryside and see what we will see.

Passing by a rural cottage 

And next we pass through shade and overhanging branches

 

The path begins to go uphill

 Boys stopping to admire their surroundings as we come across a stream

A very happy pup

 

Advent calendar ~ Day 4

 

Another corner in my home

I guess you are beginnning to gather I like small groups arranged in little corners ;)

The  snowman has been with me since childhood, which brings back many memories each year of fun and family time at christmas.



Advent calendar ~ Day 3

 

 

 

A little corner of my home

Advent calendar ~ Day 2

 

 

A special Christmas letterbox made by my mother a couple of years ago.

Advent Calender ~ Day 1

At last the 1st December has arrived, we have been holding on with bated breath for this exciting day.
Christmas carols playing....check
Decoration boxes ready for unpacking....check
Fun times ahead....

Proud Mama moment

End of the academic year means exhibitions to visit.  My talented son's exhibition for his first year at uni