Boxing Day, ahhh

And so this was Christmas....celebrating the birth of Christ with family and friends....Christmas Eve service with carols and scripture....dinner accompanied with much laughter.....Celtic readings around the table....presents under the tree....games played by the fire....cookies, nuts, candies....the delight of walking into a warm house after a walk in the frosty air....thankfulness for being with those I love....mugs of spiced apple cider....relaxing and enjoying after all the preparations



Today, as the sun finished its low arch across the winter sky, my husband and I went for a walk up Christmas Hill. Such an apt name just now. Slanting light highlighted the gnarled branches of this Garry Oak surrounded by long, pale, dry grass.

An arbutus tree stands silhouetted against the quickly darkening sky. A wind that nipped our noses and stabbed through our jackets urged us to not linger long to enjoy the view. Up and over the top we went, descending the hill via dark paths alternately frosty and wet. Ferns shivered in quiet hollows. Home again to be welcomed with a rush of warmth and the promise of a quiet evening.

On Christmas Day I practiced taking photos with my newest toy - a cute little tripod. The sunshine lighted the living room, casting shadows on this simple arrangement. In the background you can see another of my gifts - a Barefoot Contessa cookbook.