Sunday Morning

I woke up this morning to find that Jack Frost had been out and about during the night

painting the garden white.

 The birds are busy searching for food.  As well as the Robin, there are been Blackbirds, Great Tits and a Nuthatch in the garden.

This week the leaves have started to fall in earnest from the trees.  They have been particularly golden and long-lasting this autumn.

My Cyclamens are looking pretty on the patio, safe from Jack Frost!

 Indoors I am keeping warm with a pot of coffee

 and in the kitchen the mincemeat is in the oven.  I use Delia's recipe and prepared it last night so that the flavours can mingle before cooking.

 Whilst I was in the kitchen, Maurice and Jay were having a cuddle on the sofa.  My Husband said, "look at this".

 "I love you this much."  It was love at first sight for these two.  That is one chilled cat!

 I have been feeling very Christmassy this week with a shopping trip to Winchester.  I love Winchester at Christmas time.  The lights and decorated shop windows are so special; the only problem is that I forgot my camera!  Oh well, I will have to go back again! ;)

I treated myself to a new plate "Reindeer in Snowstorm" by Emma Bridgewater, ready for those mince pies.

 Some new tea-towels by Cath Kidston, for all that washing-up at Christmas time.

 And some beautiful, silvered-glass baubles from M&S.  All their decorations are on a 3 for 2 offer, so I might have to go back for the white ceramic baubles that I also liked!

 I managed to buy several Christmas presents on my trip and I picked up this dress for myself from White Stuff, a favourite shop of mine.  I am keeping this dress for when we go out for our pre-Christmas lunch with my Husband's family as it has no waistband!! :)

 Only 36 days to Christmas now!  I'm sort of half way between excitement and panic at the moment!  So much to do, so little time!