We did do a little decorating here at home. Lights on the mantels add a glow to evenings spent reading or writing. A tree has been purchased and sits in a bucket on the patio waiting until we bring it indoors. I take a whiff of the fresh forest scent when I walk by.
Early this evening we're going to watch the lighted boat parade in Sidney. Warm hats and jackets are a must as there's a bit of wind blowing. A pot of chili is simmering on the stove and will be easy to reheat when we get home.
I've been reading - Winter Solstice, Miss Read's Christmas stories, and I'm currently turning the pages of Shepherds Abiding. A couple of years ago I created a Christmas-themed reading list with suggestions from readers. That list is now in a tab at the top of my blog.
Thank you for all your kind wishes for my health. My energy has returned and I feel great other than a persistent plugged ear which will, apparently, just take time to resolve itself.
What a nice blog. You write so vividly. I can almost smell your Christmas tree. Beautiful moody photos. Walking is good.
ReplyDeleteSo pleased your energy has returned and you are feeling better.
ReplyDeleteLunch and the day with friends sounds very nice and I like your mantel.
Enjoy decorating the tree when you bring it indoors.
My good wishes.
All the best Jan
It sounds like a great time with friends. Such times are good for the spirit.
ReplyDeleteYour photos make me see once again that grey such a beautiful colour in nature. I'm smitten by your second ocean photo. And your mantle piece is just so cozy and sweet. I LOVE it.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos of a cozy December day!
ReplyDeleteThe French Onion Soup with friends and those mantel lights make everything feel so festive.
The boat parade sounds magical—perfect with chili waiting at home.
Glad to hear you’re feeling better, Lorrie.
Hello Lorrie, wandering through shops with friends sounds lovely. Your decorated mantle is Christmassy and elegant and it's great to find your Christmas-themed reading list so easily now!
ReplyDeleteHappy second Advent Sunday!
Aritha calls your photos moody. I was going to say bleak but perhaps moody is better. I can almost feel the chilly wind. GM
ReplyDeleteThe photos of your walk are wonderfully atmospheric and your mantel lights look lovely and gently festive. I'm glad to hear that you are feeling much better and are able venture out to meet friends, the lunch time onion soup sounds very tasty:)
ReplyDeleteYou make it sound so good... that's how it should be. Advent, Advent is a beautiful time. Stars shine far and wide.
ReplyDeleteNext week we will buy our Christmas tree and put it on the terrace in the water bucket... it will be decorated shortly before Christmas Eve... and the Stollen will be cut on Christmas Eve.
Kind regards to you from Viola and hug.
Our tree languishes in the garden too. Maybe next week. That onion soup sounds perfect. We have cold weather due so I might give that a try. Just purchased Winter Solstice on my kindle. A 99p bargain. I’m loving my Rosamunde Pilchers recently thanks to you. B x
ReplyDeleteI'm so very glad your energy is returning. Your mantel is lovely and the boat parade sounds fun. But it looks might cold out there!
ReplyDeleteLove the lighted mantle, so pretty. Happy to read that your energy has returned. French Onion soup is so good...
ReplyDeleteThe mantel is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI haven't had onion soup in ages. What a good idea.
Good luck getting your stuff done!
Your post gives me that spirit of the season feeling! Your Nativity Scene on the mantle looks adorable! I wish you could attach to your post the fragrance of your tree that is sitting outside on your patio!
ReplyDeleteWe saw a lighted boat parade just once, in northern California, and it was magical. Your mantle is very pretty.
ReplyDeleteMy Christmas book too, Lorrie!
ReplyDeleteLovely pictures and I´m happy that your energy is returning, great!
ReplyDeleteHave a happy week & take care...
Titti
Glad to hear that you're feeling better, Lorrie! I love your cozy Christmas mantel decor.
ReplyDeleteHi, Lorrie,
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your blog and it’s on my list to be read every week. I link it with Lesley’s Humble Hostess, another favorite. I live just over the water from you in Port Townsend, WA. I wanted to comment on your reading Winter Solstice. I read this annually and have been listening to it this past month, doling it out as I do my treadmill in the mornings, making the book last. It is really rewarding to hear it read by a competent narrator. I have it thru Audible. It’s a very life affirming story as you know and have given it as gifts to several friends.
Best wishes for Christmas.!