And Winter Came...

Watching the seasons change marks the rythym of my year. Traditions and rituals of each month and quarter might be small sometimes but I couldn't be without them. This weekend winter took over. The light dropped further, the wind picked up and the air had that sharp, almost metallic, tang to it that can only herald a frost.

We woke to snow this morning. Just a skittering across the tops of the highest hills around our valley and a little on the lawn and rooftops. But defintiely snow so winter has arrived. Along with a stinking cold - marvellous! I've been fighting it off for what feels like weeks but since Thursday I've been properly laid low and spent most of today in bed but I think I've begun to see it off. Oh well, better to have it now than in a couple of weeks time. Just hope no-one else at home gets it.

Despite the sniffles we've made a slow start to the festivities at home. There's a colourful tree up in the living room, a few paper chains and lights and some little decorations appearring about the place, just in time for a get together with my sister's family who'll be away in the West Coutnry with in-laws for Christmas. We had such a cosy day full of delicious food, playing with little ones and plenty of chat. Smashing.

I like a slow start to the festive season. A bit of decorating here, some baking there and plenty of time to savour, enjoy and take it all in. Things all ramp up and get a bit hectic before school finishes so now is the time to try and keep things S.L.O.W

Standing stirring homemade soup is a thing to take your time over I think. Twenty minutes chopping, softening and stirring vegetables full of flavour while watching the birds on the feeders and the snow showers whip across the fields is time well spent. Pumpkin today.

Time now to cosy up under the eiderdown on the sofa, light the fire and curl up with a seasonal read (Miss Read most probably). So how about you? Glad to see winter already?