Countdown to Christmas: Day 9

Another belated Countdown to Christmas post from me. I'm wondering if I'll get all of these up before the big day. I can but try!

Advent Tea

Today's advent tea from my Bird and Blend Tea calendar was Irish Cream!

Ninja Book Box Week 2

This week's Ninja Book Box advent parcels included A Bespoke Murder by Edward Marston and a lovely homemade paper decoration!

Castleton Literary and Scientific Society Talk

I gave a talk tonight to the Castleton Literary and Scientific Society (that's Castleton, Rochdale, not Castleton, Derbyshire) on one of the my favourite subjects: the Medieval Blackley Deer Park. Eagles! Boar! Unauthorized deer leaps! Bankrupt barons! It's got it all! And although it wasn't strictly speaking a festive talk, the drive there was amazingly Christmassy with all of Middleton and Castleton lit up and sparkling through the wintery mists. Just beautiful.

Countdown to Christmas: Day 8

The Countdown to Christmas (and the countdown to our December holiday!) continues. It was mostly work-but-make-it-festive today, though the very wintery weather certainly helped with the festive feel!

Advent Tea

Today's advent tea from my Bird and Blend Tea calendar was Cold Weather Warrior (much needed today)!

A Winter Walk

I had a very frosty estate walk with my colleague this morning. It was a wee bit nippy, but it didn't half look festive!

Boggart Hole Clough

The lake in Boggart Hole Clough looked absolutely stunning in the icy weather today! (And the mince pies at the Lakeside Cafe weren't half bad either!)

Dam Head and Crosslee Christmas Party

The Dam Head and Crosslee Tenants and Residents Association held a lovely Christmas party for older residents on the estates today. Hotpot, massive cakes (seriously, massive), music, a festive quiz and Christmas cards made by kids at the local school.

Countdown to Christmas: Day 7

Another somewhat belated Christmas post, and another rather short one, I'm afraid.

Advent Tea

Today's advent tea from my Bird and Blend Tea calendar was Milk Oolong Chai!

Ronald Hutton Lecture

Tonight I attended an online lecture by Ronald Hutton at Gresham College, on 'Paganism in Roman Britain'. (I know it wasn't actually seasonal, but I'm counting it as part of my seasonal celebrations anyway!) Really enjoyed this one (which is part of a lecture series that will run throughout the year).