Are You Being Watched?

When on our walk this month it was not really the weather for many pictures but I spotted this cottage on the edge of Badminton. I felt it was watching us!

We were rewarded at the end of our walk with a Christmas lunch and then a visit from Santa!

Six Word Story: Time

I am a day late joining in with Miriam with her Six Word Story which as the name suggests involves 6 words connected to one photo. This week's word is time.

A Village Community

Have I mentioned that the student is home? I have been making good use of her putting her to work making Christmas table decorations.

Older sister joined in when she came in from work.

Between them they created 8 fabulous decorations for the tables at the Lunch club.

I think I have mentioned before that I help each month with a lunch club for Senior Citizens. Yesterday was their Christmas lunch. Turkey and all the trimmings, you know the kind of thing. So the student came down with me to help.

In recent months the local school has been forging links with the local community. Some of the children come to the lunch club each month to help serve the meals and talk to the ladies and gentlemen. This time the whole class of 10 years olds came to help. Their delightful smiling faces were lovely to see. They started by laying the tables and handing out their handmade cards and decorated serviettes.

There are quite a number of budding artists in this class.

The children then handed out the dinners and collected the dirty plates. One of them told me how much they love coming. I think they also enjoy helping "clear up" the extra sausages, roast potatoes etc!

While the coffees were being handed out the children sang a number of songs and carols complete with actions and percussion. I would love to show you some photos but I am sure you understand that I can't. So here are a few more pictures of their delightful art work.

Wonderful aren't they? I think this last one says it all.

Around the Ice Rink

Yesterday I selected a few photos for Snap of the Ice Rink at Cribbs Causeway. Today I am showing a few more which could also be used for possibilities for the Winter Scavenger Hunt.

Firstly this market food store would fit for No. 12  A market or market stall.

Then some of the Carousel would fit for No. 11. A photo taken outside at night.

Snap: Ice and Water Night Shots.

On Monday night we popped up to Cribbs Causeway which is an out of town shopping centre outside Bristol. We managed to get a bit of Christmas shopping done and then we wandered outside to look at the Winter entertainment.  I began to wish I had my camera with me but my IPhone did a pretty good job. I have picked 4 to join in with Helena's Snap but all of them could double up for The Winter Photography Scavenger Hunt for No. 11 A photo taken outside at night.

1.The lights over the central water feature were looking good.

2. When we reached the ice rink it was just being cleaned between skating sessions and was looking sparkling and fresh.

3. Soon the skaters returned.

4. Fun for children and adults was underway again.

So as Snap has nearly come to an end there is not much time left for bending the rules so here's one extra! Older daughter was out there skating with her Young Farmers group. She told us she couldn't stand but she seemed to be doing a pretty good job.

How Cute is that?

We have a new 'resident' on the farm. The occupant of one of the stables is a miniature Shetland pony.

He is quite young but seems pretty docile and well behaved.

Up to now he has been good for his young mistress.

He is pretty hard to resist isn't he?

Memorandum Monday: Approaching the Festive Season

Good Morning to all on this Monday morning and a special wave to Sian and all the Monday bloggers. So what is there that is new to report?

Well perhaps the most serious new occurrence for us is the threat of Avian Flu. We have been asked by DEFRA that all poultry should be kept inside away from contact from wild birds. There are outbreaks of the devastating bird disease in Europe and precautions are being taken to prevent the spread to Britain. It is obviously not an ideal situation for free range birds. They do however have sufficient indoor space for them to be comfortable and we have added in "toys" to keep them occupied. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

Sunday morning I went to the nativity service at my church. The minister who has quite a sense of humour started by confessing that the children hadn't rehearsed at all and perhaps it would be a good idea to take the collection before we saw them perform! They were of course great to see.

On my return home I found something waiting for me near my door.

Then by the end of the evening it was in place and decorated.

Here are a couple of taster ornaments.

Christmas is on its way and for our household it is very new to have the tree decorated this early. Have a good week everyone!