Morning, everyone. So here it is. . . December 1st. If we want to, we can legitimately let Christmas all hang out! Lovely.
Oh, my, yesterday was noisy. I mentioned that I was having the kitchen window replaced and that is exactly what happened amidst hammering and chiselling and generally arousing the whole neighbourhood.
Here we go - the last photo was taken around midday yesterday. It's not totally finished right now but almost so. I'm really happy with it. My frontage was a bit flat and boring but the window improves it considerably, just what I hoped.
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Amidst all the clattering and banging, it was a huge relief to get changed and drive over to the peace and quiet of Lindsey's exercise studio for my hour of personal training.
Today, I am looking forward to opening my Advent calendars - yup, in the plural, lucky me. When I've finished this entry, I will be opening them and feeling a little buzz of excitement. Lovely.
I've enjoyed the daily word puzzle in my Jacquie Lawson online Advent calendar and I think today's door will reveal more of the same - at least, there are categories to choose from on the page and underneath it said something like 'live on Dec 1st (or something similar).
At nine-fifteen, I will be changed into my exercise wear and waiting for an online call from Lindsey as I am trying out her SET class. That's Strike (sort of combat), Energise (circuits/aerobics) and Tone (strength stuff). I doubt I will do it every week but, as it is at her studio and not in a local hall (dodgy connection), she offers it online too. I've already warned T, the chap doing my window!!
Straight after that, I will be dashing over to Chris' for our coffee and chat. If you look at the first photo above, the house on the left is where I will be - so not far to go!
Then it's home for a speedy breakfast before heading off to Sainsbury's where I am doing this week's shop. It is a bit more expensive but there are items that I can only get there. After that, I can potter and start enjoying getting out some festive stuff - the tablecloth has to be replaced by a festive one and so do the cushions.
As I do every year, I will be doing a musical Advent calendar where I share some of my favourite Christmas music with you via YouTube clips. There will be quite a lot of repeats because - well, favourites, you know - but it is only once a year.
As always, day one has to be that great Advent carol, O come, O come, Emmanuel.
I found this version last year. It's a sort of Celtic, rocky, upbeat version from King and Country and I love it.
The other is the classic version from Kings. You'll probably be seeing a lot of Kings College Choir in here - they are, arguably, the best choir of their kind in the world and they do Christmas music superbly well.
As last year, I will be saving all my choices as a YouTube play list and post it on Christmas Eve.
King and Country would really wake up the congregation if they were to play in a village church!!
ReplyDeleteWouldn't they just. Talk about raising the roof!! xx
DeleteTwo superb versions of a lovely carol - thank you Joy, I needed that this morning. xx
ReplyDeleteA pleasure, Sooze. I find Christmas music very uplifting. xx
DeleteMornin' Joy. The window looks beautiful and it'll be a lovely space for a bit of tinsellified Christmas. I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with it. x Have a smashing day.
ReplyDeleteI'll take a photo when it's all done. Thanks, you too xx
DeleteI love bay windows and you get a lovely deep window sill to display things on. Have a good day.
ReplyDeleteWin, win, isn't it. Really good.
Deletexx
The new window is looking good and how lovely to have that wide sill to display things on.
ReplyDeleteI was eagerly awaiting your Advent music and today's choice didn't disappoint. I agree with you comment about Kings being the best, but I did like the King and County version ... a very different feel which I enjoyed and will look for some more of their music when I have time.
Hope you enjoyed your SET class and have had a good day. xx
Thanks, Eileen. It has been a good day, for sure and yes, I do like the modern version very mush indeed. xx
DeleteThe window looks great. I love Christmas songs and carols, really helps lift the spirits.
ReplyDeleteAlison in Wales x
They really do, I agree, Alison. I don't get tired of carols as it's just once a year - well, several times but only in December!! xx
DeleteI love your Christmas songs. I actually decided after hearing Kings College Choir here to find them on my box and give them a listen. What awesome voices.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
They are so good, aren't they? British choral singing at its finest. xx
DeleteIt has become one of my traditions to listen to your Christmas music each day, and you always make such lovely choices.
ReplyDeleteThe window looks great! And my first thought was how well it will lend itself to some Christams decorations :)
That is such a lovely thing to say, thank you so much.
DeleteI'm loving the window and the extra space on it. One Christmas is over, I need to maybe put a plant there instead. xx
What a lovely deep windowsill you have now, and the windows will let in so much more light. Our flat in Llandudno has a very deep windowsill in the bedroom, which is at the front, and it's surprising how much space it adds to the room.
ReplyDeleteIt's deceptive really as there's no more actual floor space, but I like the vibe very much. xx
DeleteSounds like a really busy day! Glad the installation of the window went well.
ReplyDeleteIt did, thanks, Sharon. Trouble free. xx
DeleteI really enjoyed King and Country! But I'm known for my eclectic taste in music! Manheim Steamroller and TSO (Trans Siberian Orchestra) are two of my favourites for Christmas music. Although Manheim Steamroller arranged/composed/performed a wide variety of styles before before expanding our Christmas music experience. :-) Their Deck the Halls tends to herald the holiday season for me!
ReplyDeleteYour bay window (or is it a bow window?) will be a lovely addition to your home. Looking forward to seeing the finished--and dressed for the
holidays--window!
...Taja 🏜️
It's one or t'other - I didn't quite work it out. Hang on, I will Google . . .
DeleteOK, well Googl3e says it is a bay window because it has three sections. A bow window has four or five. So now we know! :-)
(mind you, other places say different so maybe it isn't that cut and dried)
xx