Peace and Plenty to everyone at Christmas time and always.
Time to remember all of those who we have lost this year, all who have stood by our side through good and bad times - and all of those less fortunate than ourselves.
And do not forget to feed the birds in this cold weather!
The tree is lit on the Village Green, carols have been sung, presents wrapped and cheers to everyone.
We are having a quiet Christmas this year, staying in, watching The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, drinking lots of spiced tea and eating Turkish Delight - of course. It has been raining and the wind blew in gales on our hill, but no snow, Narnia has not come.
Later there will be a ghost story. This year we are reading this, with a haunting portrait of the ravishing Violet, Duchess of Rutland on the cover.
These are a few of our favourite ornaments and items which brighten winter.
We once had a real mouse, named Marvin, who lived under the stairs. Since then we keep to china and cloth versions.
It is a family tradition to exchange a Santa Claus. We have far too many and this year we shared them with anyone who had none. I love the skinny legs on this one and his tails.
Who would have thought? Bunny Santa, with wings! Look at his delightful little pink nose, and his pointy shoes. He is kind of an Edwardian Santa.
Best of all I love the idea of Santa as a simple, but magical wood being
who lives at peace with the animals.
who lives at peace with the animals.
We collect lots of things which seem to belong to Winter, and Christmas.
Trees are a favourite theme.
And Polar Bears.
Trees are a favourite theme.
And Polar Bears.
Despite all of our collections, we live in a tiny cottage.
It seems china shaped like little houses has found it's way into our collections.
Our clock is even house shaped.
It seems china shaped like little houses has found it's way into our collections.
Our clock is even house shaped.
You should share what you have with those who have not. Be they 2 or 4 legged.
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares..
This year a little cat named Munchkin is with us. He has been living rough for 3 years after his elderly owner died and he was rehomed many miles from there. Not understanding that she had died he ran away and over six months he slowly made his way back home. To find that it was no longer his home at all. Kindly neighbours continued feeding him but cat shelters were full, no one could take him and so he remained homeless for 3 years. Until now. Mrs Black so misses Issy, her Naughty Kitten but we were not looking for another cat. This one found us. He may not stay forever, but he will be at home for Christmas.
