Busy winter days

We seemed top have escaped the worst of the 'weather bomb' onslaught but did watch a video clip online of stormy seas and huge waves at Birsay, Orkney.  It's always a bit breezy in Orkney, even on a good day, but yesterday's weather certainly was dramatic.  Here it's just a bit windy, which is great for clothes drying!

We are loving the pine scent from the tree, and the droplet of resin that catch the light in the morning

After a bit of prevaricating, the tree is now decorated.  We try to keep things fairly simple and most of the ornaments are ones that have been around for quite a few years.  One or two sentimental bits, many others hand-made.  

Both of us are kept busy through the days, me generally sewing (mending, presents being made on the quiet, and things that we find we need but haven't got eg draught excluder), N busy with woodwork (cutlery canteen, emergency repairs to guest room door).  We're glad to have the time to do these things, and it connects us, little by little, to this new house.  Gradually we are moulding it to our requirements.  It was always going to take time, and so it is proving.  Yesterday we had to move a piece of furniture out of the hall (to accommodate the tree) and into the 'middle room' where we spend much of our time.  It was, we anticiapted, just a temporary measure over Christmas but it looks right at home in it's new location and will, I have no doubt, stay there come the new year.  I have no idea what will go in the empty space in the hall but I'm sure the solution will present itself.  

Through the shed window something is taking shape

We are fast approaching the shortest day and I had to switch the light on at 3.30 pm today, in order to see to sew.  

It seems strange to think that in a fortnight's time, Christmas Day will be drawing to a close.  As usual, it has caught up with us and I'm in a quiet panic.  Things to do and so little time left - my own fault.  Every year I fervently promise myself that next year I'll be better organised, that I will plan ahead, that I won't leave everything to the last minute.  I clearly don't listen to myself!  I wish I did.  Everything will be done, of course, but the rush will take the edge off the enjoyment just ever so slightly, and I rather wish it didn't.  So next year . . . .