December 26th 2009

Boxing Day - Time to get out some of the old board games. I had forgotten what fun playing some of these games could be.

December 25th 2009

Christmas Day - After a marvellous dinner cooked by my son time to relax and enjoy the delights of Christmas.

December 24th 2009

Christmas Eve and just a few of the lovely cards we've received.

December 23rd 2009

The snow is thawing slowly! Shopping completed and the

housework done. I think everything is ready for the festive season!!

Happy Christmas Everyone!

December 22nd 2009

Sunset over the snowy rooftops of Ipswich.

A slight thaw yesterday, then overnight another fall of snow

followed by freezing temperatures today!!

December 21st 2009

The snow was still with us for most of the day but this

evening it is raining so perhaps a thaw has set in!

December 20th 2009

A real nip in the air today. It was -3 Celsius at lunchtime. "Jack Frost" made these wonderful designs on the garage windows over night. Thank goodness the house has double glazing.

December 19th 2009

The last letters and cards posted and presents wrapped I

think I'm almost ready!!

December 18th 2009

The snow came over night and this was the picture this morning.

December 17th 2009

Rudolph and Santa make their annual charity collection around the streets of Ipswich.

December 16th 2009

It was cold today and in the afternoon the snow arrived! A slow peppering which lasted about two hours - it didn't lay though and by evening it had gone!

December 15th 2009

Now that we are back at home I've lots of Christmassy preparations to catch up with. I love this time of the year.

December 14th 2009

Time to go home but one last look at the sunset over the River Lynher.

December 13th 2009

Roughtor on Bodmin Moor.

The second highest tor on the moor at 1311 feet. Many years ago I could make it to the top but these days I prefer to view it from the car park!!

December 12th 2009

One of the things I love about Cornwall are the beautiful slate walls which edge the gardens, lanes, fields and moors in the northern part of the county. I love the way little ferns and plants take root and grow between the slates.

December 11th 2009

The Passing Out Parade at HMS Raleigh.

Today we were invited to watch my nephew at his Royal Naval passing out parade. The ceremony went like clockwork - the new ratings looked so smart in full uniform and the music played by the band of the Royal Marines was superb.

A memorable day for one very proud Aunty!

December 10th 2009

Better weather today but a day spent relaxing at the barn soaking up the glorious views.

December 9th 2009

A day when the mist hung over the moors and valleys. A visit to the lovely little fishing village of Looe.

December 8th 2009

Trebarwith Strand on the north Cornwall coast.

One of my all time favourite places.

December 7th 2009

If the weather is good motoring around Cornwall at this time of the year is great. There seems to be spectacular views around every corner.

This is the St. Germans Railway viaduct over the River Tiddy.

December 6th 2009

The barn had upside down layout with the living rooms on the first floor. The views were stunning.

December 5th 2009

After a smooth journey of just over 8 hours we arrived at this beautiful barn conversion - our home for the next 9 days.

December 4th 2009

Packing cases ready for a pre-Christmas holiday. We are off to Cornwall tomorrow for 10 days. While we are there I am looking forward to seeing my nephew at his passing out parade for the Royal Navy. Hoping to have lots of photos to upload when we return.

December 3rd 2009

Christmas shopping at Aldeburgh and Snape and a chance to buy some fresh fish (caught this morning) from the local fishermen on the beach.

December 2nd 2009

The Fairy on the Christmas Tree.

She has become a tradition in our house. I was given this little doll for Christmas 1954. In 1980 my Mum dressed her in material scraps left from making my wedding dress. Each year since then she has graced our tree.

December 1st 2009

Ipswich Town Hall with the market on the Cornhill.

November 30th 2009

Time to start writing the Christmas cards. My husband has already done his - this is my share but I can't begin thinking about it until December is here!

November 29th 2009

An afternoon spent dodging the rain showers.

November 28th 2009

My first Postcrossing postcard arrived today. Meerlandschaften in Germany. I think it's rather lovely.

November 27th 2009

Just a few of the latest additions to my bookmark collection. A beautiful selection from Australia. Many thanks Diane.

November 26th 2009

The view from one of our windows taken earlier this week. A rainy day in Suffolk.

November 25th 2009

This week the Winter Jasmin in the garden has burst into flower - such beautiful little flowers.

November 24th 2009

Lunch out with my son at a lovely little country pub. I just loved the pub sign - The Eels Foot at Eastbridge.

November 23rd 2009

A country road near Ipswich on a damp November Day.

November 22nd 2009

Woodbridge Tide Mill on the River Deben basking in the late afternoon sunshine.

November 21st 2009

All packed and ready to go! Australia here we come!!
(My daughter beginning her gap year travels today.)

November 20th 2009

How the weather changes!! After a miserable, grey and very wet day a beautiful sunset.

November 19th 2009

A cosy day at home uploading all my husband's music on to his iTunes library.

November 18th 2009

Will the anchors hold?? A grey and blustery day down by the water.

November 17th 2009

A cold but sunny day - a walk through the park on our way to town.

November 16th 2009

Not much happening in the garden at the moment but I did find this lovely mushroom hiding in a quiet corner!!

November 15th 2009

Weatherwise a much calmer day. This photo was taken along the banks of the River Deben at Bawdsey. The strange looking blocks are anti tank blocks dating from WWII. They were used in vulnerable places to prevent invasion by military vehicles and can still be found today all over the UK. As a child I can remember many hours of fun jumping from one to another and playing hide and seek around them!

November 14th 2009

Strong winds and rain with hail at times hit the east coast today. Photo taken looking towards the Martello Tower at East Lane, Suffolk.

November 13th 2009

A wild day down by the sea. An empty seafront. No people, no cars, not even a seagull!! (Sorry about the quality of the photo - taken through the car window!)

November 12th 2009

A glorious day for a walk in the park.

November 11th 2009

The eleventh day of the eleventh month - Remembrance Day.

A day for remembering all those who have given their lives so that others may live in peace.

November 10th 2009

A trip to the library this afternoon and these are my latest loans. I have always loved Barbara Dickson's music so when I read of her autobiography release I just had to make a reservation on the new title. Jackie Kennedy was an idol of mine back in the 60's - so I will enjoy reading of her again and the Time Out in Sydney book - just being nosey really I wanted to read of some of the lovely places my daughter might be visiting next month!!

November 9th 2009

The latest additions to my bookmark collection - from Canada, Denmark, the Philippines and the local football team!

November 8th 2009

I love seeing this beautiful tree in the Arboretum in Ipswich. I wonder how old it is?

November 7th 2009

Sunshine on the pyracantha berries in our garden.