Gifts of Winter

I was watching a documentary last evening. It was called Life Below Zero and was about the attitudinal differences among the citizens of different countries in the northern parts of the world; some celebrate winter, others (Canadians) gripe about it more than in the past.

While on a walk together, a friend mentioned her intention to embrace winter, to get out and enjoy the season. I like that idea very much. The clouds may have rolled in, but we started off with a brilliant blue sky covering the dark trees and fresh, white snow. A ribbon of running creek held everything together; it was a frosty gift of an afternoon.

Speaking of gifts, one arrived from Fiona of Raindrops and Daisies . I was the fortunate winner of her recent giveaway.

Fiona was a bit concerned when the beautiful gramophone tree ornament seemed to be taking its time on the trek from Ireland to Canada, but arrive it did, on December 24th, just in time for Christmas. Guess who I'll be thinking of each year as I hang it.

I can just imagine charming, old songs spinning on this instrument. An episode of Downton Abbey included a scene where the gramophone played Look for the Silver Lining. 

 "When e'er a cloud appears in the blue.
Remember some where the sun is shining,
And so the right thing to do,
Is make it shine for you."

I've surmised that Fiona is the type of person who pays attention to details and spreads a bit of sunshine. I had made a passing comment, in a blog post, about liking tea towels. Fiona mentioned that in her card and decided to send this gorgeous flock of birds my way. Completely generous, completely unexpected, completed appreciated.   

Fiona, thank you for both of these wonderful gifts.

If you aren't familiar with the Raindrops and Daisies blog, you can find it here. Fiona has a Green Day meme on Fridays that may interest you, either as a reader or participant. I know she'll make you welcome.

There are many gifts of winter: scenic beauty, cozy interiors, frothy hot beverages, pots of simmering soup, walks in the woods, and more. As well, the kindness of visitors to this blog and my Facebook page add a touch of warmth to chilly days.

Happy New Year, Everyone!


Note: My wintertime link-up, Sunlit Sunday, will resume for 2013 
on the first Sunday in January.
Please see the tab at the top of this page for further details.

I'm pleased to be linking with Fiona's "Green Day" at Raindrops and Daisies.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to some, Season's Greetings to All!

Little Things

Here are a few Christmastime photos. 

They remind me of the value of "little things" .

Especially now.

a lantern from a special friend

some lights from my tree, which is placed by the window 

and therefore enjoyed by my neighbours

a  completed, knitted gift

 

a bit of baking, 

here

and there

and more to share

Thank you for taking the time to visit.