settling in

I feel as if I had a bit of a blogbreak over Advent - and really needed it, (moving is more stressful than you think, especially when trying to heat an old vacated house during a coldsnap, both coming down with colds, and Christmas errands too!! - but all evening off now, thank goodness!) so looking forward to building up a head of steam for the new year...

meanwhile, things I love and have been doing about the new house:

...the bird feeding station (or back garden) has been so busy, I just love it. Blackbirds, chaffinches, sparrows, blue and coal tits, and robins. You can just see the robin on the wall in the exact middle of this shot, looking right at the camera ("my best side"). He's such a ham,I love the way they seem to stop and pose, and look at you as if to say... "ah yes, the foot up on the frosty treestump pose - one of my best Christmas 1979". He's like an old theatrical who's been "doing the Christmas card game for years, lovey", and each pose is reminiscent of a vintage scene.

However, while drinking my coffee the other morning, I had to exclaim outloud when I saw 4 robins!! I'd noticed 2 who seemed to tolerate each other, then 3, but 4 was just too much for this poor robin - having his limelight stolen, his robin-ness wasn't putting up with that! What? Robin? You mean there are others? You're not the solo star of all the Christmas cards?

...putting up birdsnests...just in case.

...learning to light and keep a fire! Better than any tv. I love it when the flames lick through little portholes in the logs. I keep thinking of spanish galleons and the Armada for some reason, as the logs, all lit up inside, can look like one of those tudor galleons with stratas of cannon fire, portholes and windows.

The other day I noticed a little offshoot of wood, glowing from within. It seemed to have a smile and two little eyes. As I watched it, the smile lit up, then the eyes - then they would go out, relight etc. Then the eyes would alternately wink, on and off. "You're a little fire toad" I thought - "a funny little ugly toad in the fire - a little fire dragon..." and then I realised I may have seen my first fire salamander!" (or maybe I've been spending too much time alone!...)

...also finishing off (frenetically) the last of an order of Christmas cards and gift labels for Entrading before Christmas. The paradox being that I haven't actually had time or energy to make my own Christmas cards yet - they will be going out soon as more of a change of address/season's greetings combo!

Comments

[Susan]

Lovely cards. I've really enjoyed your advent blog through December. Looking forward to seeing you Xx

[Pippa Long]

Lovely photos Caireen, just catching up, went to Cornwall for Christmas. May I wish you a very Happy and Healthy New Year and hope you will be very happy in your new home. Take care. Pippa.

[suzanne]

V. envious of your bird feeding area - I have never seen such a variety of birds in one place for years! All we get here are magpies and pigeons! Glad to see the fire situation has been resolved - looking forward to roasting my toes in the New Year!x

[suzanne]

Excuse my terrible English! I meant to say - I have not seen such a variety of birds.....
Lovely cards by the way!

[amisha]

hi dear, catching up over here and so enjoying a nice long visit with your blog :) i hope that you had a lovely christmas holiday, and a very happy new year to you! best wishes with the move and adjustment... hope all is going well! big hugs!
xox