A Christmas escape.

Tree and I decided to escape from everything and have a few days at Ragdale Hall, a five star Hydro Health Spa, in Leicestershire. This was my second visit, Tree's third, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants some quality time getting pampered, relaxed and well fed. I opted for a dry floatation with scalp massage and a full body massage each day. I would have spent more time in the Hydro section, especially the Candlelit caves, but one can't fit it all in so I will have to go back another time!

Now we are feeling refreshed we can tackle the rest of the Yuletide activities with a bit more vigour, even though we are spending it quietly at home.

Merry Yule or how to lose a year of blogging.

Well you can't say I didn't try it. It's now been a year since I blogged as The Prof and I gave facebook a go instead. As you can see, I'm back and the least said the better.

Tree and I saw in the Solstice by going to British Camp and watching the sunrise over Bredon Hill. Considering the bad weather of late we were very lucky to see it at all. As it is, the shafts of sunlight that crept out across the Worcester basin, like thin fingers of fire, were quite amazing. A special moment spent with a special person.

So it only remains for me to say, Solstice Blessings for a Merry Yule and good fortune and happiness be with you whoever, or wherever, you are.

A Merry Yule to everyone.

Tree and I took today off work to make a vigil at the Malverns for the Solstice sunrise. Mother had other plans and with the sky being overcast, and heavy with snow, we decided to stay at home instead. We were hoping to see the lunar eclipse as well but that was not to be. As this is a fire celebration, I still cast a circle and we lit a fire in the garden and marked the sunrise together. We then retired to the warmth of the house and cooked up a hearty breakfast. We had hoped to get to Glastonbury for a silent meditation at the Chalice Well but that will have to wait until the roads are safer to travel on. Besides, I am spending the rest of today chopping firewood as the central heating isn't working. A good job we have the wood burner to keep us going!!

Happy Solstice and a Merry Yule to one and all.

P.S I'm sure the Snow Queen has had cosmetic surgery overnight...it could just be the cold...who knows?

Yay ! Its snowing.

Hooray its snowing! Isn't it brilliant when we have snow at Yuletime. Everyone is being so miserable about the cold but I think its great. They say we may even have a white Yule - fantastic. Tree isn't up to messing about in the snow just yet but was happy to watch me make a snow queen and snowman outside on the decking. I decided to make the snow queen first as it is always A-typical that everyone makes a snowman. I had a problem with certain parts falling off but a firm grip and some smoothing action sorted that out! Maybe that's why most stick to snowmen?

Heres to an abstract Yule.

Mat and Katie came over for something to eat and to dress the tree and put up the decorations. They say there is an artist in everyone and Kate demonstrated this with her own interpretation of dressing the tree. Why waste hours when you can just throw it on. It still looks good and arty at the same time. Result!

(We did redress it later)

Solstice greetings and a Merry Yule

Up and out, before a Robin's twitter, Tree and I headed to the Malvern Hills to celebrate the return of the sun. Taking a small lamp and a seat (an essential item) we walked up from The Wyche cutting to midway between the Beacon and British Camp. Snow had fallen overnight and the top of the hills was cast in a subtle blue light as the first rays of sunlight came over the horizon. It seems that this year was a little too cold for others as we remained alone for the whole time we were up there. At one point we did begin to feel the cold creeping into our bones and decided to dance to get the blood moving again. This worked well but would have presented quite a sight to anyone walking by. This Solstice will be most remembered for the fact that we were able to share it together and uninterrupted.

A very Merry Solstice Blessing to one and all and a Happy Yule.

What a jolly, holly day!!

Tree and I are now recovering from our colds and the food onslaught that is the Yuletime meal. Pip and Murali came over for the day and Murali had his first "proper" Xmas dinner, even though it was veggie! He now understands the whole concept of eating till you feel you could burst. It was lovely to have them enjoying themselves with us at this special time of year.

We now have a week off work to relax and recharge the old batteries. We might just have enough energy to see in the New Year yet!!

A merry Yule to one and all !!

Blimey ! Is it time of year again, already?? Tree and I have been so busy of late we haven't had time to notice that December has creapt upon us.
I started my new job on the 1st and within a couple of days came down with a horrible viral infection that had already put Tree out of action for a week. Not good when you are working in a high dependency unit! I am happy to say that, a week later, I am on the mend with just a nasty cough to shift.
Herbie is on the mend too and just looks a bit odd with a shaved face. Quite comical really.
We have also been working hard on the house and getting carpet put down in the bedroom so we can move back in to it.
Otherwise, not a lot has been happening apart from lots of wrapping up on the sofa with hot drinks and medicine. Exciting life!
Tomorrow we dress the tree which will put me in the Yule frame of mind. But in the meantime, I wish everyone a very merry Yule. May your wishes be fulfilled and your bellies too!