Tuesday 7 December 2021

Tuesday: Advent day seven

 Morning, everyone.  The weather was a bit miserable yesterday and it is predicted to carry on being miserable later on today although right now it is cold, dry and very clear.  Beeb says it shoul;d start pouring just as I set out to drive home.  Nice timing there!

Here's the photo of the knitted nativity I set up yesterday.  It is certainly a nice splash of colour and the background  stable I got for it is just about right.  Maybe a little bit small (poor Joseph is bumping his head on the ceiling!) but not too much - after all, it's not intended to be realistic!!
I might make it the blog banner for a few days.


The day went well yesterday, despite some rotten weather that gradually got colder as the day progressed.  We all puffed our way through circuit training online and D and I laughed our way through tuition later on.  A nice, cheerful day, despite the weather.

Today I'm off to Dad's in a couple of hours with a list of Things To Do.  They include:
cutting some holly
bringing all my things home (must remember suitcase) as I no longer intend staying there overnight - it's just too very sad and lonely
doing another sort out of the garage freezer
ditto for the kitchen freezer
ditto for the pantry (I've already done a lot of that but I noticed that John and Gina brought all their food with them so most of the cans, etc, are really no longer needed
hand over Christmas gifts for neighbours and for Gail
check Dad's mailbox, forwarding anything necessary to John, and open any letters - there's still a few
anything else that catches my eye
. . . and I intend leaving before three so I can get home before dark and before the rush hour.

The decoration thing for today is the bunting.  Beth made this for me and I've had it up for two or three Christmases now so it's becoming tradition.

Here's today's Christmas music, a carol written and performed by local singer/songwriter/church leaders/worship leaders, Pete and Nicki Sims.  It's called 'Love Came Down'
I'm so glad I found it on YouTube - it used to be really hard to find and I never thought of looking there.



22 comments:

  1. Your Nativity scene is wonderful. I know how much time and effort goes into those figures, so I think you should definitely use the image as your header photo.
    I hope your day goes smoothly, and that you manage to avoid the worst of the weather. It must feel strange knowing you won't be staying there overnight anymore. X

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    1. It does. In a way, I feel bereft, quite apart from Dad's passing. It's been a home from home since 1970 and we do get attached to places, don't we?
      Thank you for your kind words.
      xx

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  2. Oh Joy. the Nativity is beautiful and I adore your choice of Christmas music this morning.

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    1. Thank you, Cherie. Beauty takes many different forms, doesn't it? xx

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  3. I echo Jules and Cherie above - beautiful Nativity scene, yes please do use it for your header. And a big hug for today, necessary but so difficult for you. xx

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    1. Thanks, Sooze. I'm there, just checking the mailbox. It feels very strange (and it's cold but I have turned up the heating temporarily!)
      xx

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  4. What a beautiful piece of music you have found today.

    Safe journeys and hope you have happy rather than sad memories.

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    1. Thanks, Sue.
      It is a lovely song, isn't it?
      xx

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  5. I like the addition of the stable in the Nativity it pulls the little group together well. We had to pack up the family home a few years ago - it is one of the hardest things I have ever done. I went round with a video camera before we handed over the keys especially round the garden with dad's handbuilt greenhouse and little bridge (he had aslo built the house with the help of builders). I am so glad I did as it has since been knocked down and an horrific million pound mansion built in its place as there was a large garden with the dad's property and it was obviously a developer that eventually bought the place, though I heard he was stopped from putting a mini housing development on it.xx

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    1. It does pull it together nicely, I agree.

      I doubt very much any developer would get permission for anything much different in Letchworth Garden City, especially around there. Thewy seem to have development very tightly controlled.
      Fingers crossed anyway.
      I'm glad you have the memories recorded - a wise move.
      xx

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  6. I remember the last time I was in my mum's flat when it had been sold and was completely empty. It was sad but I know she had been happy there and I still have those memories with me of happier times. I will be thinking of you today.
    The nativity is looking even lovelier today. It makes me smile x

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    1. Thank you very much. I found yesterday hard.
      xx

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  7. It's going to be an emotional day for you and I hope it all goes smoothly for you. Take care xx

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    1. It was emotional but plenty was achieved. I'm glad I went.
      xx

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  8. A lovely piece of music - she has a beautiful voice and the sentiments are wonderful. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thanks, Chris. Nicki does sing beautifully.
      xx

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  9. What a lovely knitted nativity!

    I know what you mean about being sad and lonely at your Dad's. I had mixed emotions about staying at Mum's. It all didn't seem real. I kept thinking I would see her or hear her. I couldn't go in her room at all. There were good memories in her place, but I was really sad that she wasn't there with me. (())

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    1. That's exactly it, Sharon. Gail has kept the house so nice and fresh and I felt Dad could appear at any moment, arms outstretched and booming 'Hello - you got here' before enveloping me in one of his big bear hugs.
      Oh, dear, I'm starting off again. Silly me!!
      xx

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  10. Another lovely knitted Nativity.

    God bless.

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  11. That nativity is gorgeous ... watch the lamb though it looks as though he about to eat the hay from the manger ;-)

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  12. I got my decorations down to put up today. My knitted nativity will be out too. Love the stable you got for it. Might have to try and make one for next year.
    Hope you go back for the holly. XXXXX

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