Chilly Almscliffe Crag

Earlier, I went on a small ramble at Almscliffe Crag. There isn't much there but it was a sunny pleasant day with snow on the ground and a sharp bite in the wind.

The views were fantastic and there was more snow than I thought!

I climbed over a diddy wall and up to the peak we went!

I went with Teddy of course. Here we are at the peak of... the gigantic rock Almscliffe Crag is.

Once at home, we sat down and warmed up with a lovely cuppa.

What a way to spend the day!

Visiting friends and board games

Today, being boxing day and all, a couple of friends came over and together, we played some board games, as you do!

2 of my favourites were Catchphrase and Best of British. Funny how we all are British and we couldn't answer half of the questions!

Games aside, I ate a giant homemade cookie and watched Christmas University Challenge.

Christmas Day!

IT WAS CHRISTMAS DAY YESTERDAY!!

What a festive chaotic day it was! The night before, I went to midnight mass and for some reason, when we all arrived back at home from church, we decided in our infinite wisdom to have hot chocolate, at 1 in the morning...

Anyway, here is the tree looking splendid...

When it was a more normal time to be awake, I admired the mountain of presents.

I also sat on a deer and danced with a sparkly angel whilst I awaited the present opening!

At last! Everyone was present and I was able to open my first gift!

I even dressed up for the occasion...

I even made a new friend (new to the household) called Teddy. He'll be living in Preston soon. Teddy and I sat in a MASSIVE green beanbag together!

Soon it was time for Christmas dinner. I had some difficulty pulling the cracker but I managed.

All too soon, Christmas day was over. It was a sad moment but I couldn't be more relieved!

A walk in Yearsley woods and dining in Helmsley

Today I went for a walk in Yearsley Woods. It was a pleasant walk, with wonderful bird calls and chilly frosty air. It is such a pretty little place. Here are a couple of pictures from my walk...

After a couple of hours, my friend and I were beginning to get a little bit hungry. So off we went to a small village called Helmsley. There, we found a cafe with the inventive name of 'nice things cafe'... yes there was a shop upstairs and it actually had some nice things!

Anyway, we ordered the food...

...and whilst we waited, I discovered the sugar cubes...

CHRISTMAS DAY TOMORROW!!!!

Mega decorating

Today was mega decorating of the house day! I was so excited that I had no idea where to start!
And again, silly me forgot to takes loads of pictures, I got a few though...

We got a real tree this year, I've never seen a real tree before so this was an absolute treat!
I decorated it, baubles, gingerbread and even candy canes!

The garland was hung up, it was like a giant fuzzy bridge to me!

A second garland was hung up the stairs, I gave it natural decorations such as pine cones, berries, flowers and silver beads. It was simple but it looked really effective!

That's me with a festive pine cone robin!

Next up, CHRISTMAS!!!

My hanging green wreath

Here it is! My very first attempt at a natural wreath. Not bad going in my opinion, could do with some red berries and pine cones but at least I know for next year!

Festive York and green wreaths

Today I went into York to finish off my Christmas shopping. It was incredibly busy and I was more than happy to be with 2 of my friends who were keeping me safe from the extensive crowds.

Most shoppers were just browsing whilst others where at their panic stations. It was a calm trip for us besides almost missing the bus!

The streets looked fantastic with all the Christmas market huts lining the city centre and the lights draped between the buildings.

Unfortunately, we were unable to stay till it was dark but I did manage to get at least one picture...

Once we arrived back at my friends house, we made a Christmas wreath each. Made entirely from natural materials, these wreaths are absolutely free to make!

Why don't you give it a go? It's really easy, great fun, free and it looks brilliant on the front door!

Ikea and tall shelves

Today, I went to Ikea with my friend to buy some much needed furniture.
I had lunch there...

15 Swedish meatballs is quite alot for a little sea lemon like me but I ate them all!

After my lunch and a grand cup of tea (free on a week day with a family card!), my friend and I browsed the store and even picked up a tiny orchid before carrying on to the warehouse to pick up the new furniture.

It was a very big warehouse with very tall shelves!

I was more than happy to remain with the trolley...

God Jul!

(Which is Merry Christmas in Swedish)

German market and Christmas shopping

Today I went into Leeds and did a spot of Christmas shopping. I also went to the German market held in the large open space outside of Leeds City Museum. I was very excited seeing all the lights, the brightly lit huts and all the festivities going on around me, that clumsy me forgot to take pictures!
I did manage to take one on the bus going home...

...but that isn't a very exciting picture.

Hopefully I'll be going back before the Market leaves on the 20th. Then I'll take pictures!

Giant vans and Preston fun

Yesterday, my friends who lived in Brighton/Hove, moved to Preston and I was more than happy to help (you would be surprised what a sea lemon can lift!).

The transit van from Enterprise was HUGE! It was big enough to hold a sofa at either end with a coffee table in the middle and still have enough room to walk about! Look!

That aside, once in Preston, the van was unloaded and the house by the end of it was a mess and it was like a mountain range for something as small as me!