Friday Five and The Weather

Firstly I thought you might like to see some of the home made Christmas cards given by the family over the years put out on the mantelshelf each year and the recent Christmas greetings cards that have come in the post this week from overseas.

As you know we cancelled travelling to see our son and family and it's just as well as we've woken up to cold and frosty weather.  It's icy on the roads and we shall be staying home.  Our grandson has texted to say that he and his partner are coming for a visit next week on the way up to see his grandmother and other family members who live further north in York.  Let's hope they make it as the expected snow is imminent.  That also applies to our local granddaughter and daughter who were planning to visit, put up the Christmas tree and decorate it on Sunday afternoon. Travel is not easy at the moment especially those travelling by public transport because strikes have been happening or are planned for the Christmas period by public sector workers and will be continuing into the new year.

There are blue skies again today.

Frost on the ground which is unlikely to melt because of freezing temperatures.

The ice in bird baths is solid and I need to do something about that so that the garden birds get a drink. I suspect they're huddled up in the shelter of the hedge and other trees and bushes.

Plants are tucked up in the relative warmth of the covered yard.  Bulbs that were put away in a dark cupboard in the garage are beginning to show signs of life.  Each year I prepare hyacinth bulbs for the Christmas season and new year. 

In the garden despite the frost there are green shoots appearing.  New life is something to look forward to in the new year.

Meanwhile thank you for coming by and for your comments.  Take care and I'll be in touch again soon.

Have a lovely weekend whatever you're doing.

A Neighbourhood Walk

Here the weather has turned very cold and snow is forecast so our travel arrangements to meet up with our son and family somewhere near to where they live in the UK Midlands have been postponed.  We're hoping that the family will come for a visit in the Christmas school holiday instead, but again it depends on the weather.  Our Berkshire daughter is staying home this year because her DiL, Kristie,  and our grandson no 2, Benjamin, will have their baby this month.  

I've started putting out a few small Christmas decorations and the Advent candles were lit for the second Sunday of Advent as we count down to Christmas Day.  The Christmas tree will be decorated next Sunday when our local granddaughter and daughter come and share in the fun and we'll enjoy a Sunday lunch together.

There's also a count down as the Advent calendar windows are opened.  Each window has an illustration of a woodland creature or a group of woodland friends.

Yesterday I went for a walk in the neighbourhood.  Decorated Christmas trees are appearing in the neighbours' windows and other lights are starting to be hung up outside homes.  They'll look pretty when it gets dark.

This is what I saw as I walked around the nearby streets going down hill then up to the higher neighbourhood and then passed the parish church  ............

the bare branches of a row of horse chestnut trees

turkey tail fungi

The yellowing leaves of the sycamore trees are clinging on to branches.

I looked back up the hill and down the hill before turning and climbing some steps to higher ground.

By this time a fine drizzle had started as I passed the parish church before walking down the hill again to get back home.

I'm sure many folk are glad to have logs and a log burning stove in their home.  We rely on gas central heating and we're having to ration the times when we switch on the heating and electrics.  We think of those who are struggling with finances and those folk who are living on the streets because they're homeless.  Food banks are needed more than ever and places to shelter and receive some warmth and help.

I was glad to get home before the rain got really heavy.  Our neighbours have already hung up some decorations so as today is bright and dry I shall be hanging up our artificial wreath on a wall outside near the front door.  

chrysanthemums among the rose bushes in our front garden

Thank you for coming by and for your comments.  I hope your week is going well.