12th December: Halfway There!

1. The crazy weather at this time of the year is so exciting! Here we have a bank of frrrrrreezing fog, and possibly a deer or two (we saw six this morning on the walk!)
   
   
   
2. One of the most amazing things in the garden over the festive season is the way the roses endure - it's always fascinating to see how they just keep flowering, despite the weather.
   
   
   
3. The kitchen at Christmas is wonderfully described in this book - capturing all the effort and reward of the chef!
   
   
   
4. This is the book in question!
   
   
   
5. Tolstoy's finest hour! I don't believe I've ever known anyone who can read this story without a lump in their throat. Mum always weeps when she reads it.
   
   
   
6. And speaking of Mummy, here is her Teddy, which was a gift to her on her first Christmas >cough< years ago.
   
   
   
7. I have been busy wrapping presents this afternoon. I love doing it, but they always take much longer than I expect!
   
   
   
8. The Christmas napkins arrived today!
   
   
   
9. ...and so did the crackers! Enough for Christmas Breakfast, Christmas Dinner, and another event which you'll be reading about in a few days time!
   
   
   
10. Today also marked the cooking of the Christmas meats. This pan contains the ham, and the beef was done earlier. The house has smelt incredible all day!
    

11. We got our first post of many Christmas Cards today - always a wonderful experience!

    

    
    
12. And next year, assisted by pinking shears, and embroidery cotton, they will go on to become gift tags!