w i n t e r w a l k s

The sun came out today, for the first time in about a month... Very nice walk indeed, along the river. Lots of fallen trees though -- some were huge. These are some pictures from other winter walks in early December. There are memorials to the war dead, and to Captain Scott. Which is to be expected, although where are the memorials to the usual park users? -- Women with children, whether their own, or charges. Hmm. The doglet liked it.

i n t h e w a r m

We have been very lucky to have an extended holiday over Christmas and New Year. The big drive is tomorrow (sobs). Although the weather has been incredibly soaking wet almost permanently, it is has been very nice to be kept indoors. Mum has cooked so much lovely food and Dad has poured lots of restorative drinks. Everything has happened in a very pleasant, blurry cocoon -- making everything seem very much better. Thank you very much, parents. Now we should look to the future peacefully and happily, and actually I don't think that will be so hard after all.

w r a p p i n g u p

Before the whole Christmas gift giving fades completely from the memory, here are some of our festive arrangements. This year doglet posed for a portrait, which she then used on her present tags.

I made a big felt stocking for the little baby in the family, and embroidered it with her name. It was filled mainly with things to aid her bath-time (Sophie, le giraffe), since this is in her top 3 things to do.

I will post again with a couple of the things I made for the grown ups.

g r e e t i n g s 2 0 1 2

I'm sorry that I've been so neglectful of harebells -- in 2012 I will be better! As a start to the year, here are 2 very special paintings / prints that will, by various magical means, be in our lives from here on.. They are a beautiful way to begin.

'The Acrobat': Kevin Low, print artist

'The Bear and the Lamb II': Sarah Ball, artist