Why didn't you know?

There's no such thing as a Gruffalo

Snowed in

We had a fair bit of snow over the weekend. Enough to keep us from being able to drive anywhere still by Monday afternoon. Seems to be the wrong week to have the Landy out of action (getting new tires and such). The rental balks at the mere site of our icy driveway

There's parsnips under there somewhere. Thankfully the garlic, purple sprouting and broad beans have since emerged alive and well

The road out

When all else failed, the Zoomer allowed Neil to drive to the nearest 'convenience' store for supplies. It was 10 hilly kilometers of snow and sketchy ice, but we returned with the bounty unscathed, and met some curious and friendly neighbors too

The mountains have had a good dusting, albeit out of reach

So... best to make the most of it and build a little ramp in the garden

An afternoon's fun for the price of a moment's shoveling

Kohl

We wanted a fitting memory of Kohl, and we fondly remember his lazy days laying in the sun in the jardin here

We redrew him extra large, cut him out of matting

And now he can guard the entrance again, in his favorite pose

New Years Day

New Years Day at Neil's is often spent walking along the beach. It was a gorgeous day and especially nice to air out after a tres fun, late New Year's Eve: friends and family for dinner, more BT, and some spirited dancing.
Nanna Baker and Aunty Melanie take turns pushing Lucius along the promenade

All wrapped up as it was tres chilly.
(A big thanks to Alex & Ale for the cozy Pendleton blanket and Nanna Baker for the new handknit scarf)

Shoreline beacon as sea becomes sky

As well as walking, we also saw a few brave souls taking their traditional New Year's swim.

Basking in the chilly sunlight

Dorset: December

We then spent Xmas down in Dorset with Neil's family and friends

Lucius surprised us all by sitting up on her own after her morning nap, 22/12/09

She also surprised us by revealing her secret membership to the Ant Hill Mob, following a blueberry dessert incident
Snowy Cranbourne in north Dorset

Beautiful, but shortly after this picture was taken the conditions worsened enough to turn back. Thankfully Percy did us proud and wheel-spun to safety, thanks for the loan Melanie

A cosy pub complete with English cheese platter, root veg soup and ale

Loveliness in Chettle village

Lucius's first Xmas present of the day, lovely (if a little oversized for now) snow-suit from Uncle Leigh

On best behavior during xmas dinner with her cracker and crown. A huge thanks again to Mel and Phil for the lovely fare and day

Neil's Boxing day 10k. Good work Simon and Andy

In the Bermuda Triangle for a post-run pint. Maybe the best pub ever?

We met Thom and Cheryl, over from Amsterdam with their lovely son Elias. A true character already. Everything was going fine until we told the kids of their future arranged marriage. Lucius does a doubletake

London: December

This year, we took a long holiday trip to the UK. Pre Xmas we stayed with Neil's cousin, Sarah, in London for a few lovely days. And the first snow of the winter! We were able to show Lucius some our favorite places. The National Gallery, Tate Britain, fancy window shopping, and snowy sights were the highlights of this trip. As well as Sarah, Jimmy, Ava, & Reuben's kind hospitality. (And of course Minky and Jezebel too)

Dover Street niceness

ggrrwwwoooooooowww!!! at all the sparkly window shopping

Yes, I do know what I look like with my hood up, Anette. Warm

Both were fine fine Turner in the title shows. Though very very different

We ate at Ottolenghi in Islington. Terribly exciting, healthy, (well, maybe not the dessert bar) and thoroughly delicious. And Lucius was a very well behaved young lady in her own high chair

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmiddle eastern delights

Staircase

It's been a while since we've showed any updates of the house. Things are coming along well but they sure can take time. We're feeling good about our progress downstairs. Here are a couple of staircase sketches to show what we had in mind at the beginning to transform it from an abrupt, dark entrance (click here to see)

Angles and options. We wanted something very clean and angular to contrast against the original features. The inverted slope also welcomes you into the house from the front door

The preferred

From the living room towards the kitchen. Color pop still to be added and work required on the rickety banister rails

Clean banister against the intentionally battered looking stairs and beams. Note the stone bottom step. All original to the house which was built in 1804

From the kitchen towards the living room

It's also great to be warm inside whilst it's below 0 and starting to snow outside. Last year, we had cold stone walls and tile floors. Now we have insulation and wooden floors; it has made a world of difference.

More to follow soon on lighting and the kitchen

Papa et Pickle stroll to the end of our drive

Our place viewed over the wintry remains of our neighbour's cornfield

First Santa experience

Here we have it. Her first Santa meeting, he paid a visit to our local village xmas market (he was definitely the highlight). Priceless

Sweet