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

Cow + Fog

Pickle for a pickle

Grandma & Grandpa Lucius sent Lucius this unbelievable glass pickle ornament for our tree. It even comes with a tale: The German tradition goes that the pickle must be hidden deep inside the tree. The child that finds it on xmas day gets an extra gift. The idea being that the children spend time appreciating the tree, instead of tearing wildly through their gifts and paying it no mind. Lovely

Lucius's Winter Warmers

Baby down sweater will keep her toasty, whilst the wool felt mitts, boots and hat will stop her extremities from getting nippy. Thanks Anette for the postal assistance

Foraged Seasonal Cheer

The wreath came from a big pine tree near the house, plus holly, rose-hips and such. The knocker seems to be a local thing as we've seen a few

The tree's decorated with crystals from old chandeliers (found at flea markets) and natural niceness, such as clove oranges for xmasy smells, pine cones and chestnuts and bits from around the house. There's also real gold thread with Swarovski crystals woven into it, courtesy of Lineapiu fancy yarn cards from Elaine's days in NYC

Very shiny and twinkly by night

Garland across the fireplace, with Aunty Mel's assistance

La Pierre St Martin

On Saturday 6th December the 2009 ski season finally kicked off in the Pyrenées. I spent the day at La Pierre St Martin. Sorry there are no better pictures, I was having too much fun in the snow

Conditions were fine, but it's definitely warmer here this year and we could use a bit more snow here and there. Off piste was quite icy, but the pistes were great

Nothing beats a good cup of après tea