For me, the last November and first December days mark the transition from autumn to winter, and the beginning of Advent with all its Christmas-related preparations and activities.
Today's set of photos illustrates it quite well, I think.
On the 24th of November, we had a sunny day for a change. I interrupted work mid-afternoon (sunset is now at around 4:30 pm here), went for a walk and got back to work afterwards, when it was dark anyway. Seeing those blue skies after days of grey was great:
But on the Sunday, sunshine drew us out in the morning, and after a very late and sumptuous breakfast with some resting and reading afterwards, we were out again in time to catch the sunset across the fields. This picture was taken at 4:18 pm. If you click on it to enlarge, maybe you can spot the dark grey curtain of rain to the left of the setting sun:
This year, I am not putting up quite as much Christmas decoration as last year. I plan to have last year's tree up again, but not until one or two days before Christmas. My little London bus (a giveaway at a trade show in Munich where I worked many years ago) looks quite happy next to the trees, I think - I've never used it for deco before, but when I came across it this year, it seemed a good idea:
Whatever (and however much) you do this time of year, stay well and safe!
I think that fewer, and simpler, decorations at Christmas are nice. Lucky you to get a little snow already! :) We put up our tree already because I like to sit by it and drink coffee early in the morning before work. I'd love to have the fireplace on, too, but it's turned unseasonably warm this week. I hope it gets cold again soon. It doesn't feel like Christmas when it's warm outside.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, your lovely card arrived! It was the first this year!
Thank you for letting me know about the card, Jennifer! I sent my cards extra early this year, as we keep getting reports about logistics and delivery problems all over the world.
DeleteI remember you having said on your blog (last year?) that you like to sit by your Christmas tree with your coffee before work. It is such a lovely, peaceful image!
Lovely photos! Christmas is coming quickly! I like the lights in your market square and your cute little bus is just the right touch of color for your holiday decor!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ellen!
DeleteYes, it is coming quickly, but I only have a handful of cards left to write and post. And then of course there will be a big gift-wrapping session on the 24th - I shall put on Christmas music then and light my tree (still to be put up) for that.
The market square all lit up looks beautiful. Sunset photo is terrific.
ReplyDeleteOur weather here is whipsawing back and forth. Was 21c yesterday (albeit with very high winds). Tomorrow they predict we;ll get about an inch of snow. On Saturday, back up to near 20c.
Your weather sounds hard to cope with for everything and everyone; I imagine birds and other wildlife getting confused with the warm days, and humans suffering headaches. Not so extreme here, just mostly wet and grey, with a beautiful sunny afternoon yesterday to cheer us up.
DeleteI love your little London bus. It looks great with the trees.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pat, I think that, too.
DeleteLovely photos as always! That sunset, if you look closely it seems the clouds are giving each other a fist bump! You always have such a neat and tidy place, it always looks perfect. And I also received your Christmas card, my very first one! Thank you, it's lovely.
ReplyDeleteYou are right about the fist-bumping clouds, Kay - I had not noticed until you pointed it out!
DeleteGood to know my cards have arrived, I sent them extra early this year. Hopefully, the handful of cards I still have to write and post will get to their destinations before Christmas as well.
Your life is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteIt is, isn't it!
DeleteThe London bus makes a nice (and unusual) Christmas decoration ... And I'm happy to report that your Christmas card to Sweden has arrived as well! :)
ReplyDeleteThat's good to know, thank you, Monica! These days you just never know how long mail and other services may take.
DeleteThe rain moving across the horizon is something I see a lot although it's usually more threatening and rarely as beautiful. I do like the decorations - mine may be as sparse this year (if I can get away with it).
ReplyDeleteAs long as you have Catriona's Tree up, all is well with Christmas in your house, Graham.
DeleteThat curtain of rain looked like a funnel, almost like the tornados I've seen in documentaries about the US.
Catriona's Tree will go up over the weekend. I'll see what mood I'm in for the rest.😂
DeleteMaybe you will show us on your blog what you did.
DeleteYour beautiful card arrived yesterday - thank you!
Oh dear. Pressure.
DeleteYours was the first to arrive despite you being concerned about the post. Thank you.
DeleteI'm glad I sent everything so early this year - there were warnings about general problems with delivery and logistics.
DeleteWhy are we all being sparse with decorations this year? Maybe this Covid virus is really getting us down now. I hope we will all have a brighter and safer next year. PS...I love the little red bus also.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jill! I do feel Christmassy, it's just that somehow I can't be bothered to drag everything up from the cold cellar. Once I have my tree up, the room will look much more festive, and of course the candles on the Advent wreath will be lit, too.
DeleteI always decorated my house, some find it too much, but last and this year I had much less decoration, but very much lights, outside on the balkony and inside, at the doors, at the windows. I need this, it lightens my mind as well as my rooms.
DeleteMeikes Mom, I feel the same way! The lights always brighten my mood and there are certain "special" things I always use in my decorating that make me smile every time I look at them.
DeleteThe human species is just not made for living in darkness, we need light and air and exercise for our wellbeing, mentally as well as physically. And it is not surprising that we have been celebrating the winter solstice for thousands of years - the return of the light has always been of great importance.
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