Keeping watch

This crow was sitting guard over the very misty garden. Each time I think the weather is clearing this persistent fog or low cloud returns. It is definitely time to enjoy the pleasures of stopping indoors.

Sunrise

A pretty pink sky this morning as the sun rose. I still get surprised by how much the rising and setting sun moves its position over the course of the year. In the summer it rises much further to the left of our view.

Not the northern lights

Well actually there were lights in the sky when I came to bed last night and they were in the north, but after checking online I know that it must have just been a strange greenish/pink reflection off the clouds. For a minute I was so excited as I would love to see them and I know from here there is the very slightest chance that one day I might.

New apron

Oh the excitement of life here ... I have a new apron! I loved this one with its images of hares set among the oak leaves - so Hill Farm, although sadly our hare is keeping his distance during the winter. If you fancy one for yourself (the apron, not our hare), you could like me ask Father Christmas, or else you could visit your nearest National Trust shop!

A pink lining

The clouds tonight were lit by the setting sun and turned a beautiful pinkish orange, that reminded me of the lining of a shell. The evenings are drawing out again and it isn't truly dark until around 5pm.

Wonderful skies

At this time of year we get wonderful sky-scapes (unless shrouded in fog!) It is one of the perks of having such amazingly open views (the downside is that the wind here is also more spectacular than elsewhere!)

Happy ladies

The sheep opposite us are now starting to look really pregnant. Today they were bought a big bucket of fresh hay and they were making very appreciative little squeaking noises whilst they ate. When I took the photo all was harmony but a little later I noticed a fair amount of head butting going on!

A tiny bear

Today was very grey and miserable but whilst searching for something in my sewing box I found this tiny felt bear kit - a present from my sister years ago and put aside 'until I had a moment' and now I have! It was a lovely way to spend a few hours. I now have the head and the arms made and can't wait to show the finished result. The bear came from Bower Hinton Bears but I'm not sure if they are still available.

Snow

Well the promised snow sort of arrived. Joe scraped quite a bit off his car but by the time it was light enough to see the temperature had risen and so although it was still falling fast it was also melting. By the afternoon the sun had cleared most of it away. I saw more snow down in Doveridge when I left our WI meeting the previous evening.

Lashed on

Well our crudely lashed together roof held and now Dave is busy effecting repairs ahead of the strong winds and snow that appear to feature in tonight's forecast. At the moment it is trying to sleet here, a good day to sit at the computer and plan things (notably next month's Afternoon Tea being hosted by our WI for Chinese visitors to Rolls Royce!)