My Sunday Photo... Easter Sunday

We are still gripped by a frosty, crisp white spring up here.

I think our little feathered friends are going to be a little confused. 

I've seen activity in and around our nest boxes, but it still feels very chilly for baby birds.

I'm hoping that this might be my last wintery Sunday Photo.

One of our regular visitors who is particularly partial to meal worms!

He never ceases to make me smile. 

I hope the Easter Bunny has been good to you.
I painted this Bunny illustration for last Easter.
I hope you like him.

There's snow on them there hills... so it calls for some skiing!
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee....

I'd like to take this opportunity before I go to wish everyone a Happy Easter.
I'm linking up with the 'My Sunday Photo' over at Photalife.
Enjoy your chocolates!

My Sunday Photo... Flummoxed Flo and the Finale

It's offical...we've waved goodbye to autumn and winter has arrived.

Well, it certainly did this past week with the arrival of our first snow flurry of the year.

As many of your know I've been away and so haven't really caught up with everything yet... but I hope to soon. I've got lots I'd like to share.

Today 'My Sunday Photo' is a finale tribute to autumn.

Mushrooms

I have to admit I'm not an expert when it comes to wild mushrooms.

I'm far too timid to venture into tasting them, but feel I'm probably missing out on amazing foraging and possible culinary delights.

Maybe one day?

 I took these photos whilst staying at my sister's house.

These little beauties appeared on her patio.

It seems appropriate really as she is mushroom mad!

She has many dotted about her house too... the beautiful wooden carved ornamental kind.

She even has some that her talented son handmade for her. 

His latest project that he's currently on is making pens out of wood!

I'll have to write a post about his work sometime because they are beautiful pens.

But for now if you missed the snow pictures from my Instagram this week, (there's a link in my sidebar) I'll add this one.

Flo looking completely flummoxed by all that white stuff.

The other three girls are tucked in behind her.

They did eventually emerge once their breakfast caught their attention, but it took a lot longer than normal. Thankfully the snow has disappeared and the temperature has risen. 

It was nice to see, but I don't like it to hang around for too long.

It can come back for Christmas Day of course... but then that's it thank you very much!

If you'd like to link up with Photalife.com where you can find lots more great My Sunday photographs.

Have fun and don't get too stressed working up to the Christmas holidays.

Happy Sunday everyone and thanks for popping by my place.

Norway

I mentioned last Sunday that it was my daughter's birthday during the week, and that she was away on holiday. For this week's Sunday link up, I asked her permission to show a few of the photographs that she sent to me from Norway. Thankfully she agreed, because it's been rather grey here today and I didn't have a suitable photo of my own to use.

 I think that these photographs are far better than anything I could have posted. 

I've never been to Norway, but it looks a fabulous place.

So let's dive straight in... well down the ski jump to be precise!

(It makes me feel giddy just looking at this angle, never mind throwing my body down it!)

I'm linking up as usual with My Sunday Photo

I'm also linking up with  Mersad's Through My Lens 
Monday Morning Blog Club 
and Image-in-ing.blogspot.co.uk
Just click on the link above to be transported.
Thanks for your visit and I hope to see you again soon.

Have a great day.

My Sunday Photo... Muffin's snowy woodland walk

We had a fantastic crisp sunny woodland walk today.

As you can see little Muffin had a wonderful time, as long as I kept up with her.

If you would like to see some fantastic photo's then click here

As usual I'm linking up with Photalife.com 

and Image-in-ing.blogspot.co.uk
Thanks for your visit.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend... enjoy!

My Sunday Photo... Spring Snow

They say variety is the spice of life, well in that case I think we can safely say we've certainly had an abundance of spices today. 

We've had all the seasons rolled into one and here's the proof!

The sun is shining, but there's a flurry of snow every so often, with a little rain too.

If you look past the car you'll see some of the hundreds of daffodils that I planted last year.

This weather is certainly confusing to us, so I can only imagine what it is doing to the wildlife.

The poor birds are building nest in my nest boxes... I think they'll need lots of insulation at this rate.

Whatever the weather try to turn that frown upside down.

As usual I'm linking up with My Sunday Photo

Thanks for visiting my place today and I hope you're enjoying your weekend too.

My Sunday Photo... Splash an Dash!

Yes the snow has arrived and this was Muffin's first meeting. 

She ran out for her usual last minute night-time call, but came to a sudden stop when her paws touched the ground.

The snow wasn't too deep but it still came as a shock! 

We've now discovered the splash an dash technique.

Apologies for the quality of this photo.

 If there's a better opportunity to take another tomorrow morning then I'll post one.

That is unless the snow becomes too deep and there's a chance we'd lose her! 

Have a great Sunday everyone.

(The internet is playing up too but I hope it'll be okay in the morning to add link to Darren's Sunday Photo link)

My Sunday Photo... Spring sprouting and snow

Before I go I couldn't resist letting you see our latest reno! 

In the woodshed an old swallow's nest wasn't used last year, but someone's got their eye on it for this year's new arrivals.

We're thinking it might be a robin... we have four in and around our garden

What do you think?

(Apologies for the bad photo but it's quite dull in there and I didn't want to disturb the squatters)

 We've had such a great week... weather wise, but as I type this post it's actually snowing! 

Honestly... I kid you not... SNOWING!

See...

 I don't think I've ever posted so late to the My Sunday Photo linky... let's hope I'm not too late.

 

I hope you have a great week ahead.

Paint Party Friday... Sunrise Watercolour and Valentine Postie

Hello Party People... I managed to finish the sunrise watercolour I brought to show and tell last week, so here it is...

I'm late coming to link up today and I can't stay long because we (that is my daughter and I) are keeping the romance alive out there. 

My daughter's art and illustration business is well and truly flying. 

So much so that I've had to leave household chores (heartbroken... NOT!) and everything that's on my current to do list to give her a hand. 

Here's my daughter with the cards and presents for one postal run.

 

 As you can see there's a fair few love birds out there...

It's warming to see such affection out there especially when everything's chilly, frosticles and covered with snow. 

But take heart spring seems to be taking a peek... 

There's a slight warmth in the sun light AND we've already added an hour to our day light.

We're getting ready for my daughter's first craft fair, so as many of you will already know... there's masses to organise and prep to do so I must fly.

Have a wonderful weekend and I will come to visit all who visit me... promise!

It might take me some time and I am aware that I've still got some PPF peeps to visit from last week... but I will 

 

 Toodleloo for now

My Sunday Photo... Cozy Wood Burner

I had to open my mouth didn't I and say that we'd had no snow...
Well not twenty-four hours after making that statement it arrived. 

The wind has been blowing an icy blast (apparently from the Artic) all day and now snow has arrived with it. 

Hence this Sunday's photo is of our inglenook with the wood burner blasting out heat.

You just can't beat it on a day like today. 

The large tree trunks to the side of the burner are from a friends garden... they chopped down a tree some time last year, so it's perfectly dried out now and ready for burning.

I'm linking up with Darren over at onedad3girls.com once again

Have a great Sunday everyone

I'm off to have play in the snow... what are you up to? 

Whatever it is have fun!

Winter arrives with avengance

I woke this morning at 5.23am and although it was still dark outside, I lay and watched the clouds whip past on the howling wind. The noise from the gale was like a freight train passing through. There was a rattle on the roof and I just kept my fingers crossed that it wasn't a roof tile about to take flight! 

We'd had plenty of warnings about the impending gale and snow storm that was heading our way from the media, so at least we were prepared. 

I've stocked up on essentials and there's not an inch of space to spare in either the freezer or fridge.

(the side garden...with the birds having a quick feed before the big freeze) 

It's a pity I never thought to tie down the bin because when I drove back onto the driveway this morning...it was there waiting to greet me, upended on the border! 

Not exactly the kind of garden feature that I'd like and when I checked around the rest of the garden I found the BBQ and gas bottle on it's side too. 

There was also the garden table top on the floor, which lets face it was an amazing feat. It's incredibly heavy so that gives you some idea of how strong the gusts have been. 

There's not been much snow yet, but I think we're in for some overnight. 

But as I said I'm prepared...

Look at these beauties

They are Sorel Boots and oh boy do I have cosy toes today! 

They were recommended to me by my daughter, so I must be trendy too eh? 

I think they might be my favourite winter purchase so far 

I just need them to make doggy boots now.

Stay cosy and safe everyone.

Happy Blue Monday...snow is on the way!

So what time do you call this, do I hear you say....? 

Well, we've been so busy preparing for the arctic blast that is going to have us snow bound from Thursday onwards, according to the weather experts! 

I'm not sure I like to know in advance of what's to come, especially when it shows most of the UK in a blue colour!

Not a beautiful tropical azure blue...more a freezing frosticle blue.

I suppose it's only to be expected as we are now officially in our winter months.

So it's time to get busy and prepared! 

Here's my son helping to get yet more wood stored into the woodshed before the snow arrives. Last time it took US seven hours to move the pile of 'lady logs' into the woodshed. If you'd like to check it out and the fantastic game of Jenga we played...then click here

This time I decided that it would be a good tactic not to order delicate beautifully sized lady logs...more huge dude dobbers! 

That way I wouldn't be able to lift them and therefore not have to stack 

(hehe...or should that be more of a MMMmmmmmhhhhhaaaaaa?)

I'd like to just let you know that he wasn't wearing his hoodie until I produced the camera. He knows I don't like him wearing it, so it could have been a little silent protest or more just to wind me up! 

He also had his music blasting out...(possibly scaring all living things within a 50 mile radius) Well like me he can't do much without music but it wasn't of my choice. 

Thankfully he'd make a quick dash to the ipod to change the track when an inappropriate track or lyrics resonated out of the woodshed! 

My son's had a busy day today really, because he's now having to write a report and earlier he took McMuffy for her walk. He'll sleep well tonight! 

(not that he doesn't usually) 

As you can see McMuffy is wearing her blue tartan coat.

I've got so much to catch up on your blogs and I apologies profusely if I haven't left a comment. I sometimes nip in to take a peek...because basically I'm nosy and I don't want to miss anything. I'll try to let you know that I've been next time, but please forgive me just for these few crazy weeks! 

Why not nip over to Sally over at Smiling Sally's blog to see more Happy Blue Monday entrants...you'll have a great time hoping all over the globe and you never know what will appear! 

Have a wonderful week everyone...and I'll hopefully see you soon 

 xoxo

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.....

After so many years of wishing for a white Christmas it looks like I may finally get my wish this year.

I've tried the Aussie way celebrating on the beach with burgers and snags on the barbie during the heat of summer. I've also roasted the turkey during 40 degree temperatures looking like a roasted bird myself, but determined to have a traditional meal no matter what! 

But it's just not in my gene's...In my book Christmas has to come during winter with all the trimmings! 

If it can be accompanied by snow then that's all the more perfect.

It's all about having short days with limited daylight hence having to decorate the house with fairy lights, taking time to prepare for all the celebrations ahead. Cooking and baking up a storm to keep cosy and warm because everyone know you need to take in more calories in order to keep warm. ;D

And guess who arrived yesterday? Our Christmas Elf suddenly appeared!!! 

I hope he's not suffering too badly with jet lag...but he seems to be fine so far. 

At the moment he's sitting on the mantle but we have ambient lighting so it would be useless to try to take a photo at the moment...but I'll be sure to keep you posted on his antics.

The photo below was taken yesterday and we suddenly had the thought that maybe we should perhaps stock up on previsions in case the forecast of a good snowfall comes true.

By the way the barrel on the left of the photo isn't a LARGE keg of beer or heaven forbid whiskey. 

It is in fact the sauna. I can't see myself using it on this trip because basically I'm a wuss. 

I've never been brave enough to do that thing of heating my body to near melting point only to then run out into the snow and freeze my bahookey off! 

There's also a hot tub just out of the photo which unlike the sauna I haven't fully ruled out so far. 

This photo was taken this morning...yep more snow fell and I have to say I've never seen such beautiful snow. It is so dry, white and perfect. I didn't realise it could be like this. 

I remember during my childhood in the UK being so excited by a few little flurries but this is SNOW!

In one afternoon we have had about 15cm!

This shows our driveway and thankfully the cavalry arrive at various times of the day to ensure you are able to drive in and out. How thoughtful is that? :D

It's great to have good neighbours who can bring in the big guns when needed.

I'm aware that to feed the wildlife isn't really recommended here due to raccoons, little meeces and critters taking advantage of the situation. I remember last time we were here I bought a bird feeder and filled it with seed, placing it in full view of the lounge window. During the evening we became aware of a movement outside of the window...once we dismissed the thought of The Yeti or Abominable Snowman we were privy to a fantastic show of determination, aerobics and ingenuity as a raccoon worked out a plan to take the seed.
The next night he appeared again but this time he brought his date...out to impress her, he shimmied along the branch but alas the night before he'd obviously overindulged and 'CREAK'...timber! The branch broke and he landed on the ground bruising his dignity. 

Meanwhile she just headed into the broken feeder and chomped away.

But I just can't resist...I just wonder how anything can live out there and they need my help! 

I haven't seen a bird yet so my feeder might be lonely but my son said he saw an eagle flying over the frozen lake this morning. I know the humming birds won't visit for many months yet but I would like to see a cardinal in real life...so I'm crossing my fingers. 

Mmm....smell that? Dinner is nearly done so I'd better get busy.
I hope you are having a great day whatever you are up to. 

Remember today is a gift...what are you going to do with it? :D

Catch you later......