London for Shops

During this pass week, I have travelled to London twice.

The first time, was last Tuesday  to have a look around the shops.

If you're going to the shops in London, then Harrods is definitely worth a look,

so much to see although many price tags are certainly far too expensive for the average person to consider.

Although I'm not ordinarily a person to collect soft toys, I do have a growing collection of Teddy Bears, all of which are from Harrods only.

The one I bought this time, is a medium size Christmas Bear for 2009, entitled 'Rufus'.

One place not to miss in Harrods, is the Food Hall.

Absolute Yum!

Wish I had taken more photos,

 but certainly couldn't resist taking the one above,

 which is a cake with a price tag of £4999.00.

A staggering amount.

But there was far more affordable food,

 which covered a vast range from cheeses, cold meats to chocolates,

cakes & biscuits, besides much more.

The panels of stained glass on the some of the ceilings are absolutely beautiful,

besides other aspects of the store,

It rained all day!

Such a shame, but we visited Kensington, Oxford Circus,

Regent Street & Piccadilly.

Fortunate enough to get a photo of some of the Christmas lights,

but only because I sheltered in a doorway!

Beautiful Scenes

The various aspects of the Quantock Hills are always a pleasure to see,

 regardless of what season or time of the year.

I find that you can never tire of whatever you may see,

 & today was no exception.

A cold, but lovely New Year's Day for 2010.

Happy New Year!

With all Good Wishes for a Wonderful 2010.

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!?!

Christmas Greetings

Wishing Each & Everyone of You

A Truly

 H A P P Y   C H R I S T M A S

Finally. . . .

All the Christmas shopping finally finished.

Final preparations to complete, but looking forward to the break.

S E S O N A L   B E S T   W I S H E S

Soo Cold!

Definitely weather fit for polar bears. . . . . well, it certainly feels like it!!!!!!

A manmouth task this morning de-icing the car,

although even before reaching the car, I had to negotiate a very slippery garden path.

Even our car park at work was like an ice skating rink, not only for us but our vehicles too.

And it certainly wasn't much better when it was time to leave this evening.

Judging by how cold it is tonight, looks like we'll have a repeat of this tomorrow. . . .

Just a pity this weather couldn't have waited just a few days on in readiness for Christmas Day.

Although it's tried to snow, we have not had the snow compared to other regions of the country.

At least our travel plans are not disrupted to the extent of some around the country, although whether we walk or depend on a vehicle, we do have proceed with great care. . . .

Festive Preparation

All decorations finally in place, my tree this year though is my version of a 'twig tree'.

Normally produce this every year although usually by the dining room table.

The twigs may come from my garden after a massive prunning session,

 or from fallen branches  discovered on a favouite walk.

I then spray them with silver paint & once they are assembled

 in a vase, they are then decorated with white lights & small decorations.

It does look quite effective & the arrangement can be made as big or as small as you like,

which ever suits your needs.

Other items are now in place with further table runners/mats changed for that Christmas theme.

Cards are now arriving which are finally gathered & hung for displaying.

The house is finally starting to resemble some order once again.

after the chaotic mess  from wrapping paper & boxes of cards seemed to dominate many areas. . . .

Most gifts are now wrapped, just one more present to buy. . . .

Nearly there. . . .

Sigh of Relief

Finally, getting organised with Christmas preparations.

 Just enjoyed a lovely week off from work, although it went far too quickly, 

 but time used mainly  to bascially catch up with myself.

The Xmas decorations I displayed, above, are nearly all my own work except for the santa.

I made a table runner using techniques of patchwork & quilting. Then a cross stitch christmas hanging, a few years old now but I was please with the effort I had put into this.

Finally, 'Noel', the centre of a cushion I had made, using cross stitch once again.

The top cushion is one that I kept for myself,

& the bottom cushion I gave to my neighbours,

but knowing how much they enjoy the festivities of Christmas,

especially with their famillies & friends, I knew this was appreciated.

SEASONAL   GREETINGS

Sunshine Yellow

Lovely to see the Broom in flower on the nearby Quantock Hills.

A breath of fresh air when everything else is resting for the winter. . . .

~ ~ ~ The Narcissi ~ ~ ~

Couldn't believe it when I seen these flowering in the open. . . .

much too early, so I'm sure someone must have purposely planted them recently.

Just loved these roses where the rain water had gathered. . . .

Seasonal Greetings