Saturday 15 December 2018

Beware.

'Black ice'. 'worst road conditions since early 1990's ', 'busiest day of the year'   This is a pretty awful combination but it came from the lips of this morning's weather forecaster.   It is now twelve minutes past three, it is dark enough to draw the blinds and put up the central heating switch a notch and as the rain falls on the window it is freezing, so one must assume it is doing the same when it hits the ground.  I am glad that my hospital appointment was yesterday.

Yorkshire people have a reputation for being very canny with their money so I don't expect much excessive spending up here although the shops are full of very tempting things to buy.   If I get an opportunity next week I will go round a few of the shop windows in the town and show you the decorations.   They are always worth looking at.

Am I decorating the bungalow?   I don't have a lot of inclination to do so - December is not a happy month - this is my second Christmas without the farmer - but I am not alone.   I read Sue's blog and am always inspired by the way she keeps going.  I have electric candles in the kitchen window, a Happy Christmas sign in the hall, two small trees in the sitting room, scented candles and lots of Christmas cards dotted around - and that's it.  I  may add a wreath to the front door but I have just had a lantern fitted to the side and that looks rather Christmassy so maybe not.

19 comments:

Heather said...

I too am on my second Christmas since my husband died in April 2017 I find it hard to feel like decorating but I have been reading blogs for about the last 4 years when my husband was diagnosed with cancer as I could pass the time while in the house caring for him, yours and Sue's are ones I've followed all the time and you both give me inspiration to go on. Some days are harder than others but like you I have a little dog and she's a great help and wonderful company as getting out isn't easy due to not driving.
Heather.

janipi said...

It is amazing what a few bits can do to decorate and brighten us up at Christmas. Today has been gloomy so I’m glad of my fairy lights.

Derek Faulkner said...

That's a lot of Christmas stuff that you have going Pat, in my house there is not a scrap, just how I like it.
We had the freezing rain earlier this year when the Beast from the East turned up. Windows of houses froze solid, as did the cars and so did the roads and pavements and it was lethal getting about.

angryparsnip said...

This year has been a jumble for me and I still haven't found a tree or sent the cards out. I will find the tree this weekend and try to get a few things done.
Truffles had another seizure last night and I was up with her all night. I was sure she had died. This morning she seems fine, thank goodness but I am not. Who knows when I will at least get the tree up.
Happy to know that you have some cherry decorations up.

cheers, parsnip and badger

Heather said...

It has been an atrocious day down here - very cold, very wet and very windy. However, I did manage a short walk to the shops for a paper during a well timed half hour when it had eased a bit.
I have put a few garlands of natural looking artificial greenery around the place, cards on the dresser and battery operated candles in the window. I said last year that I wouldn't bother with a tree in such a small space so my son bought me a very small one to stand on top of the bookcase - in case I changed my mind. It looks quite pretty and I even found a short string of battery operated lights for it.
Keep warm and safe with all that horrid ice about.x

Librarian said...

It was a grey cold morning in my town, no rain or snow. On the train to OK, about 1 1/2 hours into the two-hour-trip the sun came out and I arrived in beautiful early afternoon sunshine. Sunset was also beautiful.
Few decorations at my flat (as you have seen on my blog); I like my space uncluttered but I fully embrace the Christmas spirit (not the buy-all-you-can or eat-more-than-what's-good-for-you), and this is the only time of the year when I like having a few more things around to mark it as the special season it feels for me.

Joanne Noragon said...

I have identical decorations. Merry Christmas.

Bovey Belle said...

It's blowing a hooley here this evening (Storm Deidre I believe) and we have the same freezing rain forecast, so I hope folk stay indoors and safe.

It sounds like you have Christmassed your home just right, and I'm sure it looks jolly. Keeping in the warm sounds like a good plan to me.

Bonnie said...

I do hate icy weather and I won't drive in those conditions. Your home sounds warm and lovely with just the right amount of Christmas decorations. I also follow Sue's blog and I find both you and Sue to be very inspirational. Stay warm and safe!

diana said...

Stay inside and stay warm. I do wish I could visit England .

Jomo said...

Many blessings to you and truffles and your other two gud dugs thank you for your blog x I get so much love from you all x have been alone widowed for nine long years x hugs to you all x

Gwil W said...

I've just driven home in the dark along very icy roads, smooth ice they call it, and seen 6 or 7 emergency vehicles with their blue lights flashing in the space of less than half an hour and some horrendous examples of bad driving - going through red lights included. Everybody seems to be in a hurry and paying no regard to the conditions. I'm pleased to have arrived here safely. And it was nice that a bendy-bus driver gave me a thumbs up for letting him go before me when the lights changed to green. A little courtesy on the road never goes amiss,

Sue in Suffolk said...

I think you sound quite Christmassy. I have tree, Mantle-piece and top of the bookshelves, plus cards on a string - plenty enough. Don't want to encourage any more dust collectors!
As for being inspirational............I'm just meeting it all head on. I don't know any other way than just getting on with every day.
There is Weather with a capital W here tonight too. Glad I'm in watching Strictly.

Charles said...

We got the Christmas tree out of the garage, it might get some lights on it at some point. I do like the mindless drinking bit about Christmas but that is about it.

Cro Magnon said...

A lot less decor around here this year. I have decided that a few really nice bits and pieces are better than all-over glitz. I shall soon have to get myself organised.

Living Alone in Your 60's said...

No decorations at all, we are in too much if a mess to bother. But next year we will make up for it!

jinxxxygirl said...

I think the holidays evolve as the years go by Pat. They become what you need them to be. When the daughter was little we were decorated every year.. Now that she is grown with a daughter of her own but we have no kids or grandkids close by so its just hubby and i we decorate some years and some years not... You do what makes you feel good ... I don't think its meant to be a chore.. its meant to be fun and enjoyable. Hugs! deb

Linda Metcalf said...

My husband passed seven months ago today...my heart isn't in all the decorations but I have put some twinkle colored lights on a grapevine tree in my living room and put an angel on top. I have the candles and will make Christmas treats for the grands and great grands. Just have to remember the reason for the season.

The Weaver of Grass said...

It is so comforting, reading through the , that I am not alone and that we all stand together in missing our loved ones and facing the problem headon. Keep it up. Thanks for replying - it makes us all feel better I am sure.