I like to clean properly before the decorations go up because it's so difficult to do it once the surfaces are covered with holly etc. I'm not in the least houseproud, but with a cat who sheds a lot of fur and a SIL who's allergic to short-haired cats, I have to make a bit of an effort... the spare bedroom is kept an entirely cat-free zone, much to her disgust, so that SIL is at least able to sleep without snuffling.
We're looking to get some "crampon thingies", Lily P - we too have sheet ice (again), and OH is very conscious that he is less "fleet of foot" than he was. I had some once which just kept pinging off the shoes. I think trainers or walking boots are best, because the soles tend to be quite wide, with the sort of "crampon thingies" which go over the top of your shoes to hold them on, rather than just clipping on to the sides of the soles. I shall investigate Yaktrax... thanks Dove.
Obelixx, I'm with you on babies as a general rule. There's something special about grandchildren though - the genetic link, perhaps?
I'm getting a cold, so trying not to breathe on OH, and get the housework done before I feel too grotty. But at least my hand is nearly back to normal!
Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
I’m not into super cleaning efforts. We aren’t having a tree this year. No grandkids coming, just son and daughter, and they don’t care either way.
Many years ago I bought a Norway Spruce in a pot which we decorated. After Christmas it was liked after and waterered, etc, but it didn’t ever do much so when we bought the property. We planted it out in one of the paddocks. For years it just stayed alive (just) in our dry climate. This year it’s suddenlt made a nice shape and produced cones. I’ll try to get a photos to go on.
Nice and frosty here. Not only are some of my snowdrops pushing their noses up, but one is even showing a bit of white bud. That’s cheeky, its not even Christmas yet.
Today will be spent writing Christmas cards, tidying the spare room (common theme here) and soaking fruit for a last minute christmas cake which will double up as my Dad’s 80th birthday cake ? . Decided to go for Delias creole one - never tried it before - seems to need a lot of booze (hic).
Greetings to DD andCharlie too if you’re looking in - hope all is going well at the Chateau ?
Just wrote a post then it disappeared and Laptop said it couldn't show the page.
Joyce, the family aren't coming this year, it's the turn of the in-laws. Two years ago they came for New Year instead, but this year we are going to Daughter 1's for the New Year weekend. On Christmas Day a couple of English friends in the village are coming for lunch. She will bring the first course.
Tomorrow I'll drop off at son 2's on the way back from church, bearing presents for 3 small grandsons. Will only be able to stay an hour as have to pick up OH at the Airport.
Shall move the 2 old horses from the summer field to the winter paddock today, as they've just about finished the hay in the shelter. The winter paddock is next to the house, easier for food and water and I can keep an eye on them.
Not raining at last, but there is a frost, so I hope the tree will dry out enough to bring it in. OH left it outside, instead of in the garage and it's poured ever since.
Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
Your Christmas tree looks lovely and healthy Pat ... enjoy it where it is with it's natural 'ornaments'
Hosta
BL ... life will be easier with the horses closer. My ex never quite understood that I had to go up the hill to the livery stables on Christmas Day to do mine ... so we bought the smallholding where the livery was and filled it with animals so I had to spend even more time doing them
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Posts
Morning all!
I like to clean properly before the decorations go up because it's so difficult to do it once the surfaces are covered with holly etc. I'm not in the least houseproud, but with a cat who sheds a lot of fur and a SIL who's allergic to short-haired cats, I have to make a bit of an effort... the spare bedroom is kept an entirely cat-free zone, much to her disgust, so that SIL is at least able to sleep without snuffling.
We're looking to get some "crampon thingies", Lily P - we too have sheet ice (again), and OH is very conscious that he is less "fleet of foot" than he was. I had some once which just kept pinging off the shoes. I think trainers or walking boots are best, because the soles tend to be quite wide, with the sort of "crampon thingies" which go over the top of your shoes to hold them on, rather than just clipping on to the sides of the soles. I shall investigate Yaktrax... thanks Dove.
Obelixx, I'm with you on babies as a general rule. There's something special about grandchildren though - the genetic link, perhaps?
I'm getting a cold, so trying not to breathe on OH, and get the housework done before I feel too grotty. But at least my hand is nearly back to normal!
Morning all.
A lovely sunny morning here.
Methinks the chainsaw will come out to get more logs cut for the woodburner.
Morning Hosta
It's a beautiful morning here too 
Hopefully the ice on the car will thaw soon ...
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I’m not into super cleaning efforts. We aren’t having a tree this year. No grandkids coming, just son and daughter, and they don’t care either way.
Many years ago I bought a Norway Spruce in a pot which we decorated. After Christmas it was liked after and waterered, etc, but it didn’t ever do much so when we bought the property. We planted it out in one of the paddocks. For years it just stayed alive (just) in our dry climate. This year it’s suddenlt made a nice shape and produced cones. I’ll try to get a photos to go on.
Its too big so will reduce it.
Morning (just
)
Nice and frosty here. Not only are some of my snowdrops pushing their noses up, but one is even showing a bit of white bud. That’s cheeky, its not even Christmas yet.
Today will be spent writing Christmas cards, tidying the spare room (common theme here) and soaking fruit for a last minute christmas cake which will double up as my Dad’s 80th birthday cake ? . Decided to go for Delias creole one - never tried it before - seems to need a lot of booze (hic).
Greetings to DD andCharlie too if you’re looking in - hope all is going well at the Chateau ?
Second try
At flippin' last.
Hubby's card has just arrived.
at least that’s worked out for you Hosta.
Morning all.
Just wrote a post then it disappeared and Laptop said it couldn't show the page.
Joyce, the family aren't coming this year, it's the turn of the in-laws. Two years ago they came for New Year instead, but this year we are going to Daughter 1's for the New Year weekend. On Christmas Day a couple of English friends in the village are coming for lunch. She will bring the first course.
Tomorrow I'll drop off at son 2's on the way back from church, bearing presents for 3 small grandsons. Will only be able to stay an hour as have to pick up OH at the Airport.
Shall move the 2 old horses from the summer field to the winter paddock today, as they've just about finished the hay in the shelter. The winter paddock is next to the house, easier for food and water and I can keep an eye on them.
at last, but there is a frost, so I hope the tree will dry out enough to bring it in. OH left it outside, instead of in the garage and it's poured ever since.
Not raining
Your Christmas tree looks lovely and healthy Pat ... enjoy it where it is with it's natural 'ornaments'
Hosta
BL ... life will be easier with the horses closer. My ex never quite understood that I had to go up the hill to the livery stables on Christmas Day to do mine ... so we bought the smallholding where the livery was and filled it with animals so I had to spend even more time doing them
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.