Compare....

Winter certainly not all dull grey horrible days!

~   ~   ~   ~

As I approached my front door,

I was reminded that the daylight is starting to draw out,

& therefore,

 fortunate enough,

 to witness the last of the sun's rays settling,

  before the night sets in.

The colours of the late afternoon hours,

 mirrored the colours of the indoor growing hyacinths

With the close-ups of the plants,

it's certainly makes one aware,

 to appreciate the colours,

 represented again towards the end of the day!

Beyond the Tinsel....

These photos were taken last Sunday,

 as I was delivering Christmas cards in my village.

Not the easiest of walking with all the snow & icy conditions,

but as the light was gradually disappearing for the day,

I took a shorter route via the Church.

Just loved how the church was portrayed with the snow,

& with the darkening colours of the sky,

just looked magical & very seasonal.

A very appropriate walk,

 when we reflect why we have the CHRISTMAS tradition!

Today, Christmas Eve!

Just one more night....

Wishing everyone a

 Very Happy & Peaceful Christmas!

Puppy Sitting

A weekend away led me to the countryside of North Devon,

 spending time in a very quiet & tranquil  village setting, with a pub a short distance from the house.

 Perfect for an evening meal.

But, although it was a weekend away,

 we were taking care of an 11 week old puppy,

 a cocker spaniel/springer spaniel.  

 He was very adorable, could easily have taken him home,

 although I think Max,

my black labrador would have had something to say about that,

 if only he could talk!

The puppy was very content with simple things, such as the Ikea bag,

& even my handbag, which his sharp teeth started to chew.  

Not much damage though,

can be repaired quite adequately.

The experience certainly reminded me of when my dog was a pup. . . .

With a drive out on the Saturday,

we were able to see some stunning  views of the local countryside,

 besides being so close to the coast.

A real haven,

 a peaceful & quiet weekend with some exploring,

 an enjoyable mini break!

Glorious Weather & Celebrations

A glorious day emerged on Saturday

 as my friends wedding was finally here.

The setting couldn't have been more appropriate,

 together with the weather.

A very hot day with plenty of sunshine & blue skies.

The happy couple married in their village,

a beautiful church with amazing stained glass windows

 & other architechtural features.

This day also gave my daughter & myself,

 a chance to spend some quality time together,

 which enhanced the day,

 making it an extra special time.

 

Viewing Beyond

St Peter's & St Paul's Church

A beautiful location for my friend's wedding today,

The approach to the church strewn with blossom petals.

Views from the church grounds show more

scenes of the stunning Somerset countryside.

Plenty of Blossom in the surroundings of the church,

perfect for someone's Wedding Day!

 

Beyond the Church Gates

Visited the Parish Church at North Curry, Somerset,

as my friend is getting married there on Saturday.

Wasn't quite sure where the church was,

so took the opportunity to get my bearings.

A beautiful church in a village setting.

Ancient grave stones showing the elemnents of time. . . .

Shrubs in  blossom. . . .

Gateways leading off into the countryside. . . .

Back through the gateway of the Lytch Gates,

until Saturday.

After the Thaw

Although the snow tried to linger,

a bit of rain & the snow went as quick as it came. . . .

The trees stand high & tall in total bareness once again. . . .

My Locality, Black & White

Recently, a walk around my local village,

 taking in what we normally take for granted.

One of the most obvious choices to start the walk was our local church,

the atmosphere of the area was well suited for the change to black & white photography.

The tall church tower stood faststead,

and was well framed by the fir trees to the back of the church.

The watery sun was trying to rise high  into the sky, but the day emerged to a dull grey day.

The weather vane below is situated on the local Community Hall

North, East, South or West!?!