Thankfully the power has stayed on since Christmas Eve, and although some roads are flooded, we are all okay and can get out of the lane - one way anyway!
We have had a lovely few days, spending time with family, eating and drinking too much, and not doing very much else. I hope batteries are re-charged.
New Years Day is my husbands 50th birthday! Goodness how did we get middle aged?!
So, tomorrow evening we are having a quiet meal in together, whilst Matt parties. Mark is going to collect him after midnight. I did offer, but he insists he does it. (I am not happy about Matt staying at "mixed sleepovers" - I just wouldn't relax!) And then we have a family get together on New Years Day. We are meeting for lunch in a local pub, and then coming back home for a cup of tea and a piece of birthday cake. I am making chocolate orange cup cakes tomorrow. I can't remember the last time I made a birthday cake - it make well have been Matt's first birthday! I hope it all works well. A very kind friend has given me some instructions, and leant me her cup cake stand, and icing bags. I have bought plenty of sprinkles to cover any less than perfect bits, and a big sparkly 50 candle. I will try and take some photos along the way.
You may recall that I was lucky enough to get a new camera for my birthday. I love it, and I have a lens to take sports photos, but the lenses I have haven't been very good at taking close up shots. But that has changed. I have a new lens. The sun shone yesterday. Please join me on a short walk to the post box (why does the visa bill always need paying between Christmas and New Year - it isn't funny!) I took my camera and pondered and looked along the way.
Such blue sky and red berries
Sad to see so many bits snapped off trees - but loved how it caught the light
Lichen - so beautiful
Which way?
A decaying tree trunk
Can you spot the wagtail above?
Interesting shadows
Strangely there are daisies growing on one of the school fields
Walking back towards home now
Sunshine on bramble leaves
A long tailed tit - but he blends in vey well. There were so many of them flitting in and out of the bushes. I can't recall hearing such load bird song at this time of year.
Back home - and teasels
Apple tree branches
A cheery viola by my front door
Passion flower plant tendrils
Winter jasmine
Pony tail grass blowing in the wind - at least I think that's what it was called.
The garage roof
Climbing hydrangea
Looking at the smaller details there is still so much in my garden.
Sorry there are so many photos - I had fun!
Happy New Year - hoping 2014 brings you happiness.
xx
Love the new lens! Some gorgeous pictures there Sara - I love how the macro makes you see with new eyes x Happy new year (and birthday!)
ReplyDeleteLovely photos, Sara. I've taken to using a different lens lately, just for a change of pace, and I've enjoyed the freshness of it. I'm sure you'll have lots of fun with your new lens. I'm with you on those mixed sleepovers, as we've chatted about before, sooo scary to me! You're doing the right thing, in my humble opinion. Happy New Year and happy belated birthday!
ReplyDeleteSorry, not belated, I misread that it's still on the way...so happy birthday to him! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Sara, I love your photos.
ReplyDeleteJacquie x
Your photos are gorgeous Sara, I love all the close ups, especially the tree ones. Hope that Mark has a great birthday on Wednesday and that the cake making goes well tomorrow - you are right, sprinkles can make anything right!! Hope that you have a great New Years and that Matt enjoys his party. Happy Birthday to Mark!! xx
ReplyDeleteWell that lens is very good indeed, as is your eye - these photos are fantastic. It's fun to see so many details and so much activity in nature even in the dead of winter. I'm glad your power wasn't off for long. It was quite a storm! We had lunch on Monday in a little place called Hassocks which I don't think is that far from you. I thought of you while we were there! x
ReplyDeleteThank you for all your lovely comments about my photos and I'm sure Mark will have a great birthday - despite the rain forecast. I'm guessing we won't be walking to the pub as planned!! X
ReplyDelete