Daily December :: the 16th

Hello Lovelies,

yesterday was a long work day and I failed to take any photos..

Today I was very happy to get out and see some daylight again. It was cloudy at the country park, but still pretty in a wintry sort of way........

It was certainly not cold despite how these pictures look.........

I rather like the burnt orange tones of the reeds...........

and their feathery seed heads.......

Hello Mrs Mallard.........

and hello different ducks I'm not familiar with :0)

More brown.......

and some yellow......

 that was a surprise.

 This afternoon the sun came out for a brief spell.......

And this evening the Mr and I enjoyed a "Christmas Social" at our weekly dancing lesson.......

We still have so far to go with our Ballroom and Latin skills. But apparently it gets easier...after a few years :0)

I have THIS tune in my head tonight.

How I love the waltz.
Jacquie x

Daily December :: the 11th and 12th

Hello Lovelies,
Ooops, no post yesterday.
 A busy day at work was followed by a quiet meal with friends. "The mums" as I call them, are friends from when my twins were born. We all met in the health centre for Wednesday morning lessons with the health visitor. Then, when the course was over, we spent the next three years going around to each others houses on  Wednesday mornings. Sharing our parenting journey and watching our children play together.

It's always lovely to catch up , though on this occasion the evening was full of tales of serious health issues, car accidents and worrying teenage behaviour. I made me rather sad.... and those busy but simple  baby days seem a lifetime ago.

This morning I got up and opened a parcel I didn't have the chance to look at yesterday.

My first ever dancing shoes. Hubby and I have been going to Ballroom and Latin lessons since September ( we are still BAD...but I live in hope :0).
I've been managing in ballet pumps, but I've finally decided to see how I go with a little heel............

No sparkles ( so I can wear them for other occasions if they are not comfy to dance in)

Look they are made in England...that makes me happy..........

I spent the morning indoors, well the weather was wet. Lots of Christmas decorating and tidying was needed. My first Hyacinth bulbs of the season are flowering...and smelling wonderful.......

This afternoon I needed to go shopping. It was not raining but still such a dull day...." the dark days before Christmas" as a late family member always used to call them..........I always think of her on days like this.........

I wondered at myself, stopping the car on not one but two occasions to take in the view and take a photo. Was it just to have something to share here? No, that was part of it, but I also needed those short bursts of fresh air,  those moments to gaze at the landscape........

 Even on a dreary day it calls to me.

This evening I've enjoyed being surrounded by family and colourful lights........

Looking at the fresh green shoots on my Amaryllis..........

Hoping my friends have good times ahead, and counting my blessings.
Jacquie x