No Snow here!

Our weather is very erratic at the moment going from hot to cold in a matter of days. I also know that the weeks leading up to Christmas one becomes 'hot under the collar' with the crowds in the shops! I often wonder why that is but I do know how much pleasure I get wrapping gifts to give to others......

 A few nights ago we had the joy of sharing in Christmas at Beau's school. There was definitely no snow here though....the umbrellas were to block the sun but there was a cool breeze in the shade. We were there early and got a prime spot under the gum trees....down side was the inch ants that bit both Larry and I on the foot. Larry had little reaction but four days on I still have a very hot and swollen ankle! It was great to watch everyone arrive.........

 The family were dressed for Christmas and Emily even had a gorgeous fascinator.........

 We shared platters of pate, cheese and crackers and Maisie had her favourite strawberries......

 Beau missed the calling for his class performance but made it just in time on stage standing right at the front on the far left......

 As the sun set we all waited in anticipation for the fireworks that didn't disappoint.......

 Last weekend we also took the little ones to see the Paddington 2 movie that I thoroughly enjoyed with a tear or two! We were in the right place at the right time as the big bear happened to walk past us but Maisie was a little terrified of him!......

A few days later she enjoyed a coffee with us......a special baby chino with a bear face........

So the hot weather has continued for a few days and now it is cool again but it is expected to reach 40C (104F!) in just a few days...in fact Monday - my birthday - what a shame 😫  The garden is so jolly confused with the highs and lows especially the roses. The blooms are small and sparse on some bushes and some have even frizzled in the hot sun.......

 But it has allowed the crepe myrtle to bloom a little slower......

 Tonight's job is to write our Christmas cards and while looking at them in the shops it never ceases to amaze me how much we are influenced by the weather on the other side of the world. The cards are covered in snow scenes and while thinking it would be lovely to share in a white Christmas it is definitely not how we do it! But during the week I've seen how much snow there currently is especially these scenes from William Morris sites in the UK. First is the photo from Red House this week and mine from a few years ago........

 And this week Wightwick Manor had to close and cancel an event because of the snow. I've visited many times but couldn't find the same scene but close enough.........

 Even London had snow here at Kelmscott House in Hammersmith and then the same spot last year.......

 Kelmscott Manor is even covered in snow.........

 How different it looks from when we were there..........

 And there is even a sprinkling of snow at Beatrix Potter's beloved Hill Top this week.........

 Speaking of Hill Top reminded me of an email I received last week from Corrie who lovingly stitched not one but nine Mrs Tiggy Winkle iron covers as gifts for her friends (pattern is in the Stitching with Beatrix Potter book). What a wonderful friend and how lucky were the recipients? Thanks so much for the photo Corrie......I hope Mrs Tiggy Winkle is keeping all those irons dust free........

Which brings me to our own wee boy that is no longer sleeping under his Peter Rabbit quilt....that is good news as he is out of the isolette and in an open cot! He is now 2050gms (over 4lbs!). He is still having a few little issues with his heart rate and they did think of transfusing him as his haemoglobin is low but for now we watch in wonder at his fighting spirit. I've even had a cuddle and found myself giving him a feed.....reminded me of my many years as a paediatric nurse...some things haven't changed!.....

The best gift of all is that Sophie has received permission for Beau and Maisie to visit their new little cousin for the very first time on Christmas day....how special that will be!