It’s been a lovely and calm family Christmas Day here at Thordale. 

We’ve stuck with most of our usual traditions, except we didn’t have one of Floss’ amazing baking Yule Log creations, opting for a store-bought cake instead, as Floss was working right up until the last minute. Poor thing.

But chocolate is chocolate in my book.  All delicious.  We’re not complaining.

This  morning, having prepared all the food yesterday, I suddenly remembered the (f)artichokes. OH and I quickly dug them up and it was a good harvest, which makes a change from last year when I replanted the lot in a rage because they were too small to eat.  Again, delicious and a huge treat.

We had our huge meal at lunchtime and, while everyone else was clearing up, I walked around the croft feeding duckies, hens and horses.

And now we’re all relaxing in front of the telly and it has been a lovely peaceful family day.
Merry Christmas xx

A Merry Christmas with lots of love from everyone at Thordale xx

(we couldn’t decide which Christmas card to go with –  you choose your favourite).

Well, I expect you can guess where this is going…..

Daisy, Floss and I went on a dog walk and, obviously, Monster came too…… in the snow….. whinging all the way.

I title this “One Girl and Her Cat”.

We always waited for Monster to catch up.  He likes to lag behind, whining.

There was a little bit of vigilant hunting.

And then there was exploring of the derelict croft house.

This says it all!

Quickly back to being majestic and meaning like he meant to do that.

The dogs ran around, enjoying themselves but all eyes were on Monster (sorry, dogs) who went on whining and walking.

Obviously with more praise, adoration and encouragement. We decided Monster felt the cold on his paw and it wasn’t very nice for him.

I did offer to carry (more like lug) him.

But Monster was happiest picking his way around the field, walking on the dry stone dykes (walls) when he could. They were easier on his feet than the snow.

We walked the circuit, the dogs got out for a while and then we all went home.

An well-earned après-walk snooze in The Fortress of Solitude.

This afternoon was flute trios in my shed.   Monster must be exhausted now after his full day.

We had a bit of snow, well more like polystyrene packing thrown at us, over night.

I drove over to feed the Minions, while Daisy fed the big ones. Floss had to work all day.

There was a beautiful morning light, which totally cheered everyone’s spirits – the last two days have been tough on us all. It was nice to see the ponies smile. I thought about bringing hay over later in the afternoon, but the snow has been sporadic with only one good blizzard and the ground isn’t covered. And every single animal is extremely well covered *** cough ***.

Having a second opinion, ie Daisy’s, is good because I can be talked out of over-feeding everyone just because it is a bit colder.

This is a short blog because I am cooking, making sheeple and doing more cooking. And then I need to wrap presents…..

Well, Christmas can officially begin now in our house.

Floss came home last night, after a four hour delay on her flight but she is here and that is all that matters.  It was quite the ordeal for her.  And, yes, of course Lambie was thrilled to see her too.

And we all survived the immense storm (it was very noisy last night) and, although it has calmed down wind-wise, we have a Met Office 24 hour Yellow Warning for snow and possible blizzards out now.

Temperatures are plummeting as I type.

After a family conference first thing, it was decided that we would attempt a Christmas tree this year.  We haven’t had one for the past two years due to small puppy chaos.

We have decided that we can trust everyone, though I have a feeling I am going to regret this.

Now Ted I trust.  He is sensible.

And Pepper has said she will try her very best….. (honest, Mum!)

But, when he is in one of his silly moods, then this may be the year Monster fells the “Hong Kong” spruce, as my Mum used to call it.

Though, Monster is quite into jigsaw puzzles at present.