Catching Up

January - and today is the day when things begin to get back to normal. No more worrying (as usual) about the Christmas meal being edible. It was fine (as usual) but it never stops me fretting! Today I am on my own and it's time to catch up. There are lots of things that have been neglected over the past two weeks and they now need attention. Now, all todays chores are finished and I can have a little r&r and start cross stitching again. Who knows, the chess board might get completed soon. This morning was a bit of a surprise as we woke up to this.



I should have been brave and ventured out for a walk in the local park to take some spectacular photos but no chance - I'm staying put and staying snug and warm today and I won't even venture outdoors for you lovely bloggers. I might however watch my new DVD, which I won in Annie's giveaway at A Saucerful of Secrets. I love old films and being able to snuggle up and watch a Hollywood romance or an Ealing Comedy, and admire the old stars like Bette Davis and Ingrid Bergman and films like The Wicked Lady and Rebecca.I think today is just the sort of day to curl up with a mug of hot chocolate and a good film. I'd love to know if you do the same or which film stars you like to watch.



My wonderful package also included a jar of Green and Blacks Hot Chocolate and best of all, a surprise gift made by Annie herself.



This little brooch is so beautifully made and so individual. I think it will have to kept on display when it's not being worn - so I'm now searching for a little cushion to pin it on, so that it's there for all to see and admire. You must visit Annie's blog and website where you can see her gorgeous home and the beautiful dolls that she makes.

I've got quite a few photos of places we visited over Christmas but thought that today I'd show you some of our Boxing Day walk along the canal.



This is my favourite walk, in summer or winter and it was such a gloriously sunny day you just had to be happy. (Plus the thought of not having to cook a three course meal made me feel even more chirpy!)


As usual there were plenty of brightly coloured narrowboats lined up against the towpath





although today we don't see anyone going through the locks.



It is a day to stay put and keep warm as we watch woodsmoke from the boats curl up from their little chimneys and we see some of the occupants emerge from the cabins to walk down the towpath to the pub.


I'd love a little cottage next to the canal and to be able to watch the boats as they travel along sedately and watch the wildlife in the spring. Of course we see ducklings but we have seen herons and at twilight bats swooping above the water between the trees. All in all I love it here.