In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
And we are here! Welcome to the last day of Blogmas, 2025, December 24th, Christmas Eve. It's turned quite cold here but the chances of a white Christmas are pretty much 0%. A frost would be nice though.
Yesterday was really lovely. I enjoyed Groove very much although it did set me off coughing a bit and, again, I did 2/3 of the class which I was pleased I managed. As Sharon commented yesterday, it can take quite a while for the after effects to go and I get that. Fortunately, I can take things easy and I will.
I added a couple of things to my Christmas tree.
This lovely little chap was filled with a bag of chocolate coins, no longer in this world. Chocolate is good for all sorts of things, Madam Pomphrey says so.
The bag is cute and clever and I think I will be working out the pattern and nicking the idea for next Christmas. Thanks, Pam and Mick.
And then this popped through the door (wrapped, of course), from Lindsey, plus a dear little keyring which I have to find a use for.
Both these will be Christmas tree fixtures from henceforth. :-)
Later on, Val popped over - she and Mike had to be in town and, as she has been unwell and we couldn't meet up (and anyway, I was unwell too so if she hadn't cancelled, I would have), she brought my Festive pressie and I was able to give her hers too. One down!
She didn't stay as she had other gifts to distribute and I was about to pop out.
The cake is iced. I may not use those decorations, given that it is an adults' Christmas; I have a poinsettia flower I could lay over instead and I might very well do that. The only thing that's fixed is the ribbon.
What else?
Oh, yes. Sharon came, did the usual, I gave her the little gift Beth and I always like to get for her and my next appointment isn't until February!
John's beer arrived at his. He has a pretty obscure address without house number or street name and technology always queries it, despite the post code being clear enough. But they got it right this time so now he has some 'designer' beers to enjoy.
I pootled off to Morrisons again - I decided I wanted to treat myself to my absolute favourite tipple, Campari. Anyone else remember those old adverts with Lorraine Chase? Here's one to refresh your memory.
I like it either with prosecco or tonic so I got some slimline tonic too. It will see me through to New Year and beyond, I am sure. I like a negroni cocktail but no way was I buying gin and vermouth as well as the Campari! There are limits!
There's a few things to do today, none of them in any way a hassle!
Chris and I are having an online chat as we won't have it tomorrow. That will be very nice. Online, not face to face, because I think she is still not sure how 100% I am (fair enough) and doesn't want to catch anything. I totally understand that.
This morning, I plan to roast the turkey and boil, glaze and bake the ham. I'm using a very simple glaze of maple syrup, grain mustard, Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce which should taste great and I am doing the turkey crown in the air fryer because I can! :-)
This afternoon, I will prep the carrots and the sprouts and that, I think, is the very last thing that needs doing.
Then, this evening is Carols from Kings and Together at Christmas, both of which I love and I don't think they clash. If they do, they will be recorded anyway so no worries.
I feel very relaxed, very ready for Christmas. I bet Beth doesn't though!! I mean, she will be ready but maybe not so relaxed, bless her.
Here's the last stuff. All the same, the mini jar is apricot jam and the Advent of Change is Baby Lifeline, the mother and baby charity.
The site says:
Baby Lifeline is a unique national charity whose mission is to make care safer and better for every pregnant woman, pregnant person, and newborn baby all over the UK and worldwide. It does this by supporting and working with NHS professionals at the heart of care – buying equipment, developing and providing critical training and conducting research.
The calendar says:
Today you have helped deliver a Christmas baby! by providing the specialist training needed by paramedics to attend an emergency birth.
I've treated myself to a couple of Kindle Christmas reading things. One is Rickard Coles' Murder under the Mistletoe and the other is Dylan Thomas' A Child's Christmas in Wales which Sue mentioned in her blog a few weeks ago - thanks, Sue. I will enjoy reading those over the coming days.
I've finished neither the blanket or the cross stitch but that's OK. Next week is very quiet with loads of time for self indulgent stuff.
I haven't mentioned it much but I am loving this year's Jacquie Lawson Advent calendar and have become quite addicted to the Santa Drop game. I'll look at today's bit once I have send this. :-)
Good morning, everyone. Welcome to day 23 of Blogmas. Eeeek! I'm not quite so rushed this morning as I woke quite early; proper woke, I mean, not the 'I need to get back to sleep' waking.
I've done the advent stuff, made a coffee, tidied a few things away in the kitchen and here I am!
I'm definitely on the mend! I joined Lindsey's circuits class and managed a full half hour. OK, so not the full time, but I am so pleased I managed 2/3s of the class. I did some tidying, etc, and when Kay came, I left her to it and walked round to Morrisons to get the 5p bags of parsnips plus a few other bits and bobs. What I didn't do was ice the cake because when I got home again I did feel a bit done in. Ridiculous - Morrisons is only round the corner!! But I did it, I got some fresh air and a bit of exercise and the coughing is much reduced. So all good!
It was nice to see Kay - the last time she came, I was just back from Edinburgh and, most likely, full of germs, but neither she or the friend I had coffee with that morning seem to have suffered and John has been OK too. A great relief.
Then the Amazon things arrived so I had fun wrapping them up. They will have to be New Year gifts now but that's OK, no worries.
A few days, I went through the Christmas schedule of programmes and set loads of them to record. Some, I suspect, are absolute rubbish but I can always delete. I deleted one I tried last night - something about Harrod's top gifts (or was it Hamleys?) Anyway, if it had just been segments about different toys with a voice over and clips of children playing with them, etc, it would have been interesting. Instead, they had 'celebrities' let lose among the toys, basically messing about trying to be funny. I'm afraid I gave up after ten minutes. Not my thing at all.
Here's today's stuff. The same old.
The little pot is chunky onion chutney and the tea bag is 'Christmas Night' (whatever that is). I've really enjoyed all those regular bits and pieces which will all get used over time. I've flattened the bags after that day and will store them safely away for repeated use next year (assuming I remember).
The penultimate Advent of Change focus is Emmaus, a charity that works to end homelessness. Today, you have redecorated a room to create and welcoming, safe place for a formerly homeless person to call home.
I'm continuing to work on the border of the blanket. I guess the reason why I made such good progress was actually because I was poorly and was sitting for quite long stretches of time instead of doing the usual bouncing from one thing to another. Looking at it now, I can see bits that I would never have tolerated, had I been 100% but it's not a problem, quite the opposite. It was a gift in that I had something to do and it stopped me from feeling quite so sorry for myself. Another idea that I may very well repeat next year. Not the same thing but the same idea.
On to today. The online class is Groove. I love Groove and will do as much as I possibly can. Around midday, Sharon is here to work her usual magic on my elderly locks.
I need to get the turkey crown and the ham out of the freezer for cooking tomorrow (actually, I will do it now - hold on a moment) . . .
slicing and taking round to Beth's in foil trays on Thursday and between Groove and Sharon, I will ice that cake. I know I keep saying it but, much as I love all the Christmas prep, it is also lovely to just be prepping what I have been asked to prep and not worrying about the big picture.
Right, well, the frozen stuff is in the kitchen, the Advent candle is burning, the candle in a tin is also burning and I feel all relaxed and relieved. Nice. Take care, everyone. If you're feeling unwell, get well soon; if you're feeling stressed I send you positive vibes and remember - it is just one day(or two/three, depending)! See you tomorrow! xx
Almost the end of the Advent music calendar. Two more day after today because I do one on Christmas Day and I will also post a link to the complete playlist for you to enjoy.
Today's is the beautiful Coventry Carol, the original version with the wonderful dissonance and flexible time signature that other versions have tidied up. I prefer the original.
Good morning, everyone. Just three days of Blogmas to go now - thank you for staying the journey with me so far! :-)
Tis might be a bit rushed. I'm doing my first fitness class for weeks (because of this bug) online at nine. Lindsey is doing an online block, just for two weeks but a wide variety of live classes. If I cough, I cough!! :-)
Well, I was right about The War Between the Land and the Sea in terms of the main event but wrong about other bits and I'm not sure how I feel about the character development of one person in particular (not giving anything away but if you know, you know). It was a good old watch though!
Earlier, Alex was round and we did our planned prepping. Beth came to pick him (and lots of stuff) up and stayed for coffee and a little chat. It was really nice because I've been a bit isolated over the last fortnight. Under my tree looks a bit bare now as Beth took the Christmas Day gifts with her and then I took Dave and Anna's round to them.
There's still a few friends' things to do (should be arriving today, thank you, Amazon) but it's pretty much done and dusted and I am really liking the feeling of not having the overriding responsibility. I wonder if Mum felt like this when I took over or whether she secretly resented it. I don't know but I hope it was the former.
I worked on the blanked and decided that the spike stitch would work for the border so now the question is can I finish it in the next three days? No worries if I don't but it would be nice.
Here's today's Advent goodies. The usual plus a little tube of body butter and a wee pot of marmalade. The tea is called Holiday Boost.
And the Advent of Change today features Food Cycle and says
Today you have given a healthy hot meal to someone struggling to get by this Christmas.
Today starts with the online class. It is also a Kay-day; she's coming at two. Before then I need to tidy up and the big task is icing the Christmas cake. Nothing fancy, just a simple icing and I have fimo figures to decorate it.
Should be a nice day!
One of my favourite carols today - O Little Town of Bethlehem. It makes me feel all festive!
Hello, all. We are so close now, aren't we? After a lovely frosty morning yesterday, today isn't so wintry but it's not raining. That's a bonus.
I wanted to start with this lovely thing.
I saw it on Catriona's Facebook page and I think it is gorgeous. So simple in concept and materials but - well - just beautiful. Thanks, Catriona. So clever.
I looked up the fourth Advent Candle. It is called The Angel's Candle, it represents love and it reflects the good news from the Angel Gabriel of God's love through the birth of Jesus. That's what Google told me anyway. Nice.
I'm trying to remember what I did yesterday. All the days are sort of smurging into each other at the moment!
I worked in the blanket. I'm going to try a spike stitch as party of the border, which is a new one to me but looks very pretty.
I started a leaven for Lindsey's loaves. I'm making two so she can freeze one for Twixtmas week. It was lovely and bubbly by evening so I started the dough and left it in the fridge for an overnight ferment. It is now out, looking nice and healthy, and is warming up before I do the next bit.
Oh, yes - I decided to brave Morrisons late afternoon and do The Shop. I had planned to do it Monday early but I seem to be sleeping later at the moment (I hope saying that is not tempting fate) and I felt OK to do it. There were plenty of people there but it wasn't rammed and I didn't have to wait for a checkout any more than usual. The only thing is that they didn't have the cheap parsnips - no fresh parsnips at all, in fact. I found some roasted in honey frozen ones and I think I'll try some this evening and maybe walk round tomorrow during the day to get some, if the frozen ones aren't great.
Apart from that, I think I got everything and, because I'm not 'doing' Christmas Day this year (Beth is), I didn't get that sense of absolute panic about have-I-got-enough. Nice!
When I got home, there was a box on the doorstep, a Christmas gift of cake, mince pies, cheesy biscuits, crackers and cheese. How very lovely!
And, of course, it was Strictly. I enjoyed it so much and it was too close to call really. I split my votes and was happy with who won. And wasn't that a lovely tribute to Tess and Claudia from Queen Camilla. I know she loved dance of all kinds and is a Silver Swan. And Sophie talking about the inclusion of Ellie in this years line-up was lovely too.
What will I do on Saturday evenings now, not to mention week day evenings not watching It Takes Two?
I'm rambling, sorry. Moving on . . .
Today's Advent stuff is . . .
Candle in a tin, bath bomb, body lotion, some chutney, a tea bag . . .
The tea bags are all strange names now. Today's is Seasonal Siesta.
I'm working through the second puzzle now. I do a bit every day and you definitely get into the style of it.
I've neglected the cross stitch - maybe I will do a bit today.
I've already mentioned the blanket.
And today's Advent of Change window is for Project Harar. I've never heard of this so looked it up. I'm sure we have all seen those pretty harrowing appeals to help children with cleft lip/palate. It's a simple procedure, I gather, if you have the right skills but expensive. Anyway, it says:
Today you have helped change the life of a child in Ethiopia by funding access to cleft lip and palate treatment.
I'm starting the day off slowly but have a few simple things to do.
A bit of tidying up - isn't there always!
I will make Lindsey's loaves and Beth's loaf (meant to do it before but didn't) Alex is round at half past eleven and we will do the potatoes and make the stuffing balls - well, he will, I will watch! Then Beth will pick him up and take with her as much of the Christmas stuff as she can manage plus a little table she borrowing.
And then I am popping round to Dave and Anna's with their Christmas goodies. I probably won't stay but we will see.
After all that, I reckon I will just want to sit down, crochet and watch the final of Game of Wool and the final episode of The War Between The Land And The Sea. I have a few ideas as to what will happen but we will see but I'm looking forward to it.
So I had betted get started, it is nearly nine o'clock! Have a lovely last Sunday in Advent.
Today's Advent music is the beautiful 'Gabriel's Message', sung by the Beatus Choir. I often sang this with the choir at school and always loved it.
I have a question to start with, please, if anyone knows. I know Craftsy is an online subscription tutorial thing that covers all sorts of crafts but is it good and does it work for UK crafters? If you know, I'd really appreciate some info. Thanks.
I got onto Amazon yesterday and ordered what I hope is the rest of my Christmas presents. A bit of a cop out but at least I've done it now. Phew.
(As I typed this, I remembered someone else - a quick visit to Amazon and it's all sorted)
Usually, I would go to somewhere like Lathcoats or Longacres but I just don't feel up to pushing through the crowds.
The pigs in blankets are now in the freezer but I didn't do the rest because Alex didn't come but asked could he come Sunday instead. He really seems to want to spend time with his old Nan. It gives me a warm. cosy feeling.
And I made the mince pies. Lovely pastry but - I managed to overcook them. I just can't win with mince pies.
I started the border of the blanket, using the shiny yarn but two rounds down I frogged it and tried with ordinary. That doesn't sit right either so, today, more frogging, I will do some more dc stitches round first to make it a firmer edging and then, perhaps, I will try a cluster every fourth stitch instead of every third. I will get it right - I have time. (If you have any good border ideas, please do say in the comments)
It does also need a very light steam bit I will do that when it is finished and steam the back, not the front.
My head is buzzing with new ideas but I will get this finished and then the maple leaf blanket done before I start anything else. I want to have a go at Dorset buttons, I want to make a virus shawl with a yarn cake I have had for years and I want to make that crochet cardigan for Beth although she said wait until middle of next year for that. and then there's maybe a concentric circle blanket - and other ideas from Anita's book.
Here it is with a link to Amazon - if you enjoy crochet, it is well worth considering.
Here's today's advent stuff - all the usuals plus the last Jo Malone freebie (another hand lotion - my hands have never felt so good), the tea bag is 'peachy keen' (no idea) and there's a pair of Santa earrings. These earring have all been part of a stupidly cheap set but, luckily, they don't seem to have caused any irritation or reaction so far. I will store them in a couple of those wee tins for use next Christmas. 😀
Today's Advent of Change charity is Shout, which offers free, accessible and confidential support for people in crisis.
Today you have helped someone in distress have a conversation with a trained volunteer who could save their life.
On my Little List today - I want to make Beth's vegetable crumble and get it in the freezer and I need to make some loaves of various kinds. I'm getting my sense of smell back more and there's something a bit whiffy in the fridge so that needs a good clear out. I'd need to do it anyway - I will be doing my Morrisons Christmas shopping early Monday morning and, I gather, with the points card, selected veg is 5p. Somewhere down the line, someone loses out there, probably the farmers*, but I'd be foolish not to take advantage. I gather it includes carrots, parsnips, sprouts and swede while their best roasting potatoes are also on offer
I also need to do some washing, I've driven a coach and horses through my pile of hankies again this week. xx
And later on, it is the annual sparkle-fest that is the Strictly Final. I always enjoy this one - usually I have a very strong desire for one celebrity to win but this year I don't which makes it feel less personal but I will still vote and I will still enjoy it very much. And probably shed a tear or two when they say goodbye to Tess and Claudia.
Well, better got going, I suppose. My coffee is cold and I need another one. And I need to light the candles - the Advent one and the tealight in the tin.
Have a lovely Saturday, everyone.
* having said that, I found this on their site:
Morrisons has announced that its festive vegetable offer has been developed in close collaboration with UK farmers, ensuring that seasonal savings are delivered without compromising the price paid to producers. By protecting farmgate prices while reducing the cost for customers, Morrisons reaffirms its commitment to providing exceptional value during the Christmas period, alongside its dedication to quality, fairness and strong partnerships with British farmers and suppliers.
Interesting and, if true, good for Morrisons!
Here's today's Advent Calendar music. It's two versions of the Carol of the Bells.
. . . and another very good morning to you all! Friday already and this time next week, the Big Day will all be over and just a very happy (I hope) memory. And my Twelve Days of Christmas will begin.
Chris and I managed our chat yesterday. It was kind of cough-laden but we got there and it was so nice. Then I drove over to Marriage's Mill Shop because I discovered I was totally out of plain flour and very low on various bread flours too. I came back with three strong wholemeals, two strong whites, two dark ryes and a plain. I use the rye for Bubbles and I also add some to my wholemeal loaves. As I hoped, the shop was pretty empty and I didn't get too close to anyone.
By the time I got home, I was a bit wiped out so rested up before using the link that Veronica sent to find Paul Hollywood's sweet pastry recipe. Dead easy and it did seem to make a nice pastry although I didn't make the mince pies, it's been resting in the fridge. I will make them this morning.
Advent stuff
I got a text from Dave - Anna seems to have gone down with a something similar bug so they wouldn't have been able to come anyway. Hopefully, she will feel better soon and fingers crossed that Dave will be OK.
And I think Alex will be cancelling today - as he said, he doesn't want to get what I've had and how do you know when you're not bug-ridden any more?
A friend came round with a gift and card. I didn't have his ready because I've had two weeks put of commission. If I had known it was going to last this long, I would have done something through Amazon. I might still do, in fact, as shops will be rammed and I doubt I could cope.
And, finally, I did get all the joining done. It will need a bit of a steam - you have to be so careful with cheap acrylic yarn - and I have started the border. There's going to be just enough gold to finish one round and then it's darker red and darker green and I can make it as wide a border as I want to frame all the little pictures.
That's enough rambling. On to today's Advent stuff.
It's day 19 - all the usuals;
candle in a tin, bath bomb, tea bag (it's called Christmas in Ceylon!), freebie Jo Malone sachet (my favourite English pear and freesia hand lotion) , a mini pot of cherry jam which sorts out my breakfast, the puzzle section and . . .
. . . today's Advent of Change is for Well Child, a national charity for sick children.
Today you have helped a seriously ill child enjoy quality time outdoors, by contributing to a garden makeover at their home. https://www.wellchild.org.uk/
Today, assuming Alex doesn't come round, I will make those mince pies, make the pigs in blankets, stuffing balls and prep the roasties and get them all into the freezer. Oh, and make Beth's loaf for this week - and maybe start Lindsey's started as it all goes so much more slowly than in summer. If he does come round, we will do it together! 😊
Finally, today's Advent Calendar music. I've chosen another by another favourite, the lovely 'The Three Kings' by Peter Cornelius, favourite with choirs everywhere and, here, sung by Kings College choir, of course. Who else?
Morning, all. Still feeling rough but that is all I am saying about it. Positivity rules, OK? :-)
We've had a fair bit of rain overnight and I gather there's more to come today. What has it been like your way?
I did quite a lot of crochet yesterday (what a surprise, eh?).
Poinsettia.
Holly.
Reindeer.
This was a pig of a pattern - it's weird how some YouTube tutorials are so much easier to follow than others.
Three efforts went in the bin before I cottoned on to what I was doing wrong - and it was me, not the pattern.
And then I realised I had one extra picture (two really because I did two of each) as I hadn't planned in the holly. So I looked at them all and out went the robin! Poor old Robin!
And here we are, all laid out apart from the central one. There may be some black involved in that so I am waiting for daylight - Rudolph's antlers, worked in black, were nearly as much of a nightmare as the actual head.
I have started the joining though and you know what - when they are joined, it is so much neater and it's starting to look better. Neater and coordinated.
Still pondering on the grannies, maybe a circular centre might look really good another time - a bit like Kandinsky's 'Concentric Circles'.
Oh, now that's an idea . . . I have so much stash again.
I think I must see if Beth could use her super whizz sewing machine and make me a tape that says 'Christmas 2025' or something similar.
Here's today's advent stuff. The tin, the candle, the tea bag (turmeric, ginger and lemongrass), the Jo Malone freebie (peony and blush suede handwash), some really cure earrings and a bath bomb - a nice little cluster of cheapies!
The Advent of Change supports Winston's Wish, a charity that gives hope to grieving children.
Today you have funded a memory box, helping a grieving child treasure the special memories of someone they love.
And while on this subject, I mentioned Kazza, whose vlogs I watched. Sadly, she passed away yesterday afternoon. Please, spare some thoughts and/or prayers for her husband, Warren, and her three boys, McKenzie, Jaxon and Dexter. It's never a good time but it is so close to Christmas . . .
I saw a couple of people yesterday, proper saw them, I mean. It was nice after isolation (apart from the show, that is). In the afternoon, Lindsey was in the neighbourhood taking a class so she popped round to pick up her loaf and her little gift from me.
Then in the evening, Beth came in on her way to the girls' meal to drop off her gift and to pick up my gifts for everyone. I'll show you what she gave me in another blog.
Today will start with an online chat with Chris and then the day's my own. I plan to make Beth's loaf - not sourdough - and, perhaps, some mince pies as I have an unopened jar of mincemeat and Beth has put some on my list. Pastry is not my strong point, but I can try, can't I?
And it would be nice if I could get all the joining done - there's no ends to sew in as I do all that as I go and the joining doesn't actually take that long, you just have to make sure corners match and, with this pretty inexpensive yarn, that you don't split the stitches as it would really show.
I need a coffee so I will love you and leave you. Have a lovely day, whatever you have on your Little List! Bye. xx
Advent music calendar, day 18
Today I have chosen Sir John Rutter's lovely 'Star Carol'.
Good morning, you lovely lot! We have a cold and frosty morning here and it is so lovely to see a bit of sunshine too. Quick cold update - still not great and feeling rather low so I am mustering all the positivity I can find and counting my blessings after some very sad news about someone whose vlogs I always watch. If you follow Kazza, you know what I mean.
Moving on . . .
I thought it was time to change the banner so here's the cross stitch I made during lockdown, I think. I've only just had it properly framed (the frame you can see in the banner is a fake Paintshop one) and it looks great as part of my decor - well, I like it anyway!! :-)
I changed my mind and did candy canes instead of Rudolph yesterday. Rudolph is for today. Then I only have two more pictures (two of each) and one stable in the middle and that's all the squares done. I don't mind getting ahead and it's been such a help during this flippin' cold to have something to do that doesn't involve too much activity.
I can say the same for the puzzle. All finished now and I will leave it on the board for a few days and start the other on on a tray. When I break up this, I can more the new sections over.
I'm not a great puzzle maker but I've enjoyed this and you definitely get into the style. Suffice it to say, forty eight pieces is enough at a time!!
Here's today's stuff.
A Ceylon cinnamon tea bag, a bath bomb, the candle in a tin, the puzzle (in the photo just for the number now), a wee pot of onion chutney (I will use that today) and a freebie sachet of Jo Malone body and hand lotion.
I love Jo Malone fragrances. If I ever get the golden draw from Ernie, one of the first things I will do is go into town (on the bus, obv.) and stock up. And pigs might fly!
Today's Advent of Change supports the National Autistic Society and it says:
Today you have helped and autistic child access their right to education by offering their parents the support needed to advocate for them.
I'm afraid today is another nothing day. I've cancelled personal training and will be pulling out of our girls' Christmas meal - but I will tell them to carry on, send me some photos and we can have another meal come the New Year. We always exchange gifts, not a Secret Santa thing, nothing of any great value but it's just really nice. I know none of them read in here so I can safely say that the fudge I made yesterday (it's delicious for such an easy Thermomix recipe) will be part of my offering along side some toiletries, a Sophie scarf and a few bits and bobs . . .
Two of the four of us have compromised immune systems so it has to be.
So it's more housework and whole lot of crafting, I think, plus updating my action plan as I made the cranberry sauce. It wasn't too sweet, it was just right!
Have a lovely day, everyone, take care, stay happy and keep warm. See you tomorrow. xx
I've chosen a really nice, jolly carol for the Advent Calendar music today. Kings College Choir singing 'Ding, Dong, Merrily on High'. I could never manage the long line in one breath but altos don't have to!!
I was a Bad Girl yesterday. After having to cancel two Christmas treats and, possibly, having to cancel two more this week, I thought 'I am NOT going to miss the Infant show so I dosed up, wrapped up, was careful not to breathe over anyone, had a reserved seat at the front, managed to only cough once and really enjoyed a delightful performance of the First Christmas, 'A Big Little Nativity' from the wonderful Out of the Ark company, which has been providing schools with the best shows, assembly songs, etc, complete with backing tracks, books, licences, overheads, etc, for a very long time. Their Infant shows are perfect for very young children with simple words, catchy and easily learnt melodies with supportive backing tracks and a script for multiple performers. (no sponsoring, I just have good cause to bless them over many years when I was music coordinator, took hymn practise and when I produced Infant shows). The show was funny, lively and the nativity scene brought tears to my eyes and, I suspect, to most of the parents watching, judging by the atmosphere.
I feel as guilty as sin for going but, at the same time, I am glad I did. Bad me!!
I also popped over the road to an almost empty Morrisons for a few essentials. I need to make fudge today (tell you why another time) and don't keep things like white chocolate and condensed milk in the cupboard. While I was there, I got things for Friday too when (hopefully) Alex is over for Festive food prep.
Earlier in the day, I finished Lindsey's loaf and, at her request, sliced it and froze it and will take it over for personal training tomorrow (assuming I go, but that's a decision for tomorrow). I finished the washing and the ironing and I did a bit of housework but not enough. lol
Let's move on to Adventy stuff.
Today's Advent of Change focuses on Big Change. It's mission statement is a bit wordy so I've copied it direct from the site.
We find, support, and connect an intergenerational community of changemakers rethinking and reshaping the systems around young people. We nurture them as people, and as a collective, showing a new way is possible. Together we spark lasting change.
The bumph makes it clearer.
Today, you have helped a young, undiscovered leader gain new skills they can use to make a difference in their community in the calendar.
It sounds good. I don't like the way young people seem to be defined by their exam results/academic performance so much. This charity seeks to change that perception.
The bag held quite a haul today. The puzzle (although, to be honest, I am ahead of the numbers and am looking forward to starting my second one in a few days), the candle in a tin, a 'Revive me' tea bag, a bath bomb AND some Christmas earrings.
I did all the extra rounds on all the squares done so far on the blanket. Today I think I will have a go at the reindeer one which looks as if it will be a more tricky one. With the cross stitch, there's a few little pictures I don't like very much so I might try to make up a few alternatives. A candle should be easy enough, for a start!
Today, the diary is empty. I have a List though, of course I do.
make fudge (a really easy Thermomix recipe)
tidy up (much needed)
dust and sweep
make cranberry sauce - that's on and doing as I type but I think I have added too much sugar so I need to get some more cranberries, if there's none in the freezer, cook them without sugar and add them to the first lot.
It freezes, I use it all year round, it won't go to waste.
For anyone interested, I use cranberries, demerara sugar, orange juice, orange zest and mixed spice. It's really nice with port but I don't have any.
I watched one saved episode of The War Between the Land and the Sea yesterday evening - wow, what an ending . . . I am so looking forward to the next one this evening now, also saved.
(for those who don't know, it is a Doctor Who spinoff, more for teens/adults than children)
And the music advent calendar
I've got to the point in this calendar when I'm just cramming in my favourites. I'm sure you don't mind though.
So today's link is two versions of Carol of the Bells, one from Libera . . .
Well, I was so glad I didn't attempt the RAH yesterday. Not many aches, etc, no dizzy head but, oh, the coughs. My poor, aging pelvic floor took a right battering, I can tell you!! And I was done by the evening!
However, I did eat healthily pretty much all day for the first time in over a week so I'm very happy about that.
Now I just hope I throw off the symptoms quickly because I have two things on this week, both of which involve people with fragile immunity, meaning I will pull out if there's the slightest uncertainly. Fingers are crossed.
I also managed to get stuff done.
Lindsey's sourdough dough decided to go-slow so I left it overnight to do a proper rise. I'm baking it in a tin so over fermentation won't be a problem.
I caught up with the washing and, while I didn't actually do the ironing, I sorted everything out.
I made three nutritious meals.
I cleared and cleaned the kitchen - and promptly messed it up again! C'est la vie!
And I didn't have a daytime snooze. Yay!
Now I have addressed the reason for my closed other blog in comments, I would like to thank Melanie and June for their kind words about it. I didn't do that blog for comments but when you hardly get any, you just wonder . . . and the spammy stuff was worrying, as, indeed, it is designed to be to scare your money out of you.
And thanks to the rest of you for your concern re. this cold. I have such a lovely community here and I'm so grateful.
On to festive stuff.
I redid the baubles. They may not look any better in the photo but they do in Real Life.
I put some squares together. Goodness, what an eyeful. Sunglasses needed!!
Seriously, it looks better in real life again but I have decided they all need another row of the 'gold' - tedious, but I do have the time so let's go for it. And, going forward, maybe the granny squares should be all one pattern? I'm pondering that one as it is doable. I can use the others for something else.
Good use of colour has never been my strong point.
Today's Advent collection is:
the puzzle
the tea light in a tin
the tea bag - Energise Me, it is called. I need energy! :-)
a wee pot of raspberry jam - I am making buckwheat pancakes for breakfast to use it.
a bath bomb
the blanket and the cross stitch
. . . and the Advent of Change which, today, supports Farms for City Children. Immersive farm experiences for children who have spent their lives in big cities with very little, if any, exposure to the countryside.
It says: Today you have helped a child discover the countryside for the very first time
Here's the dough! Very, very alive having more than doubled in size overnight and can you see that bubble? Over-fermented doesn't begin to describe it and it would make grand focaccia!
It's sending up bubbles like a witch's cauldron, the oven is heating up as I type and I will need a collar around the loaf tin to stop it from getting a muffin top. Goodness knows how big the holes will be!
I have cancelled circuits this morning. Yes, I am a wimp but the coughing is genuinely causing a few pelvic floor issues and I don't want to take the risk. Lindsey was very sympathetic and this block has been the pits really, what with the earlier virus and now this cold. Fingers crossed that it will be loads better in the New Year.
So I'm stuck at home but the house is a tip, downstairs needs a good clean and it is not a Kay-week this week, there's ironing, a bed to change . . . oh, all the stuff I neglected last week. I'm hoping that getting my environment in good nick again will rub off on my mood. I am sure it will. I will put on my Christmas playlist (made using what I put in the Advent Calendar below) and that will jolly me along.
When that's done, I have Game of Wool and two episodes of The War Between the Land and the Sea to catch up on, as well as various YouTube offering. And the crafting. And making healthy meals again . . .
Have a great day, everyone and, again, thank you. You are all much appreciated. xx
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I think I need something jolly and bright for today's Advent Calendar music so I am going for the fantastic Mike Oldfield version of In Dulci Jubilo. It makes me want to dance.
And, because I always do, here's a complete contrast, the gorgeous Pearsall version of the same carol, edited because the link I posted was blocked for some reason. Sorry if you've already tried and fingers crossed this one works.
It's Sunday. In church terms, the third week of Advent starts so I looked it up and . . .
Today, Sunday, December 14, 2025, is the Third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday, so the candle lit is the pink or rose-colored candle, symbolizing Joy, marking a shift from penitence to rejoicing as Christmas nears. This Joy candle represents the gladness of the shepherds and the approaching arrival of Jesus, the "Light of the World".
(says' Google AI)
I should have kept Gaudete until today, shouldn't I. Maybe I will link to the meaning of the Advent candles a bit more - if I remember, and I probably won't.
Let's talk about the blanket! Here's the baubles - again, a bit wonky and not quite the same size. Yarns from the same stable aren't always exactly the same and that's true of the sparkly green and the sparkly red from King Cole. It's not a problem!
I decided to stitch on (like the cross stitch) so . . .
I made the next two as well, the wreaths. Now I am very chuffed with these, two the same, with tiny little metallic jingle bells stitched on and I looked on YouTube for how to make the bow (it's not a real bow, of course).
What have I got left to make? - two reindeer, candy canes, stars and poinsettias and one stable for the middle. And the grannies, of course.
As you know, I'm not following a specific pattern and, if I do this again at any time, I think I will make each square one more round bigger.
I also feel that the ones that are integral to the square are more effective than the ones where the shape is sewn on top - the wreath is much better than the baubles, for example, and I could have done the baubles as part of the square - in fact, I might go back and redo the baubles!
Anyway, it has set me thinking about next Advent. (no hate, please - that's just me and crochet!! I get ideas. < grin > )
Here's the rest.
The tea bag is called 'happy me'. What??? There's info about each flavour and it is a right old mix of spices, citrus and apple. It actually sounds really nice. I'll let you know.
Two bath bombs - not sure why I put two in and I'm not even having a bath today, I'm washing my hair in the shower! Oh, well . . .
There's the section of puzzle. Again I'm ahead as it's very boring feeling unwell and not going out so I have actually done this bit.
The candle in a tin. I have this burning all day as I have loads of tea light candles that need using - and that little flicker is lovely.
And the Advent of Change: Think Equal.
I've not heard of this before so I copied their mission statement from their site (link below):
Our mission is to achieve a global system change in education introducing Social and Emotional Learning as a compulsory new subject on national curricula around the world.
And the info in the calendar says: Today you have given an early years teacher the tools needed to help teach their class about kindness, diversity and empathy
I'm definitely starting to feel better now. Yesterday I managed to:
make the Christmas vegetarian sausage rolls which are now in the freezer
feed Bubbles and start Lindsey's sourdough
the usual knitting, crochet and cross stitch
do a load of washing (it's been building up frighteningly)
write my own Christmas shopping list and action plan
OK, so I did fade out come the evening but it's definitely better and I am very relieved as I was starting to wonder if it was proper flu rather than a cold. I mean, how can you tell except for feelings?
This morning is definitely better than yesterday morning but I am heartfelt glad that I'm staying warm and cosy inside. I am sorry that I missed bother Thursford and will miss the Royal Albert Hall but not sad, if that makes sense. I'm better off at home keeping myself and other well.
Today I want to do some more washing and some necessary (yes, it is!) ironing, finish Lindsey's loaf and get my action plan into my diary. Nothing very energetic so it's very doable and I will feel better when it's done.
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On to today's Advent Calendar music and, given it is the Third Sunday in Advent, I have to focus on those shepherds, don't I? I'm not falling into the trap of 'While Shepherds Watched . . .' with its myriad alternative versions sung by children all over the country though.
Instead, I have two offerings for you.
The first is John Rutter's 'Shepherd's Pipe Carol', and I've chosen this version because it has the score and maybe some of you who know this well might like to follow the score. I know I do anyway! It is quite old (19920 so I will add a simple link to a more modern version where the sound is, probably, a lot better.
The second is the beautiful 'Shepherds' Farewell' from Berlioz' 'L'enfance du Christ' where he imagines the shepherds waving farewell to the holy family as they escape to Egypt. Another gorgeous piece of music and a total contrast to the Rutter carol.
A very good morning to you this Saturday . . . yes, Saturday . . . morning. I had to think twice about that!
The Advent blanket is coming on. Yes, the hearts are slightly squiffy but I'm really not fussed. In the overall brightness and colour, it won't show and if it does - no worries!! I'm having fun.
All the others are underneath, all on my lovely blocking board. As some of them would be tricky to actually steam iron, the blocking board is doing a great job.
Today's and tomorrows are baubles!
And here's today's collection.
I realised that I didn't tell you about yesterday's Advent of Change so here we go.
Yesterday's (Day 12) supported Tommy, the pregnancy and baby charity, and it says:
Today you have helped expectant parents to hear the sound of their long awaited baby's heartbeat for the first time.
The rest is a wee pot of chutney, the candle in a tin, a bath bomb and a rooibos, acai and pomegranate tea bag. I'm really enjoying these tea bags - tea is great when you have a cold!
Thank you so much for your lovely comments yesterday. After reading Janice's comment about nine day colds I thought what a good point it was so, sadly, I have pulled out of the RAH carols tomorrow. It's not just about me infecting others, it's being vulnerable and maybe picking something else up too - and I actually don't feel up to it this morning anyway so am sure it's the right decision.
I am absolutely gutted about it but it is what it is and at least I got to Edinburgh and had a fab time there. And someone else has my place so I got a full refund. As I said to Ray and Jan - there's always next year!
Beth and I had a nice online face to face chat yesterday and sorted out who is doing what for Christmas this year. We had some idea but now we have a proper list and action plan. Beth's like me - being organised makes her happy!
I just need to complete my shopping list and Bob's your uncle, although I won't do the shop until next week - Christmas week, I mean.
Today - well, I'm not feeling great but plenty of hot drinks, paracetamol-type stuff and Vick help a lot. I have some cough linctus stuff but am a bit wary because coughing is the body's way of getting gunk out so I have to find a balance really. The big question is - do I re-watch the Harry Potter films, catch up on Sort Out Your Life or get into some Christmas film DVDs. Decisions, decisions!! 😉
Have a great Saturday, everyone. Take care, stay as well as you can and be happy! xx
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And here we are at Day 13's Advent music. Another Kendrick one, I think, and one I did with my choir in the long distant days when I was the 'Piano Lady' at school!
The Candle Song from The Gift., a set of Christmas songs by Graham Kendrick
