Looking Back..

We have been very fortunate once again this year to visit so many beautiful places - but more importantly we have shared so many happy times with family and friends.

Icy Patterns

It never ceases to amaze me how much intricate, symmetric and geometric pattern exists in just a tiny area of ice.

Blog Problems

It appears that I have exceeded the limit on the number of photos that I can post on this blog and so, for the moment, no illustrated posts I am afraid...

Thirty Years On.. Happy Birthday, Lauren!

Snowy Trip

We had seen the weather forecast and the snow when we left David’s parents home to drive to Lauren’s was not a big surprise.  But the roads were quiet and there was more snow as the journey went on so it was a careful, steady drive.


Once there a warm welcome and more presents!

The Christmas elves large and small soon sorted them out.


Charlie was quite oblivious to all the excitement!

Lots of lovely gifts to open, especially for Theo..

But not exclusively..

St Mary’s, Hitchin

To look at this photo you might think that this lovely church is in the heart of the countryside.  In fact it is in the middle of Hitchin town centre.  

We popped into the town this morning to pick up a few things and stretch our legs.

The view of the church from the other side has better light in the winter sunshine.  

The building is on the site of a monastery built in the 8th century but the church itself was built in the 14th and 15th centuries.  As can be seen from the variety of different types of stonework it has had many later repairs and additions.

A fun reflection of the tower in a puddle!

The river runs alongside the churchyard and it was busy with ducks, geese, pigeons and gulls.

Christmas Day

With David’s parents, we spent Christmas Day at the home of his sister and brother-in-law and their family. 

After a lovely meal we enjoyed present opening and games..

Some of the games were quite unusual..

Thank you all for a great day!

Midnight Mass

There is a real sense of history in walking a few hundred yards up the hill to participate in Midnight Mass at a parish church originally built in Norman times.

The porch was generously decorated with a whole branch of mistletoe as well as holly.

The bells were rung with energy and enthusiasm.

Although the church looks empty here, the central pews were filled with villagers and visitors alike.

Happy Christmas!

Having Fun!

Lauren sent these lovely photos this morning of brotherly frolics!

Hellibores

Today I noticed that the hellibores growing in the lane leading to Mum’s house are coming into flower.  I had intended to walk up and photograph them but didn’t get there so these are photos that I took of them on a sunny morning several years ago.

They are equally beautiful this year although the weather has been dull and misty.

The Night Before..

A year ago we were getting the house ready for a very important little family coming to visit for Christmas!

Happy times!!