Feathering the Nest

My garden looks like a building site, but it's all in a good cause. There are so many new, as yet unplanted, beds now that I'll do anything to stop a spread of weeds that will only need to be removed at some future point. So I've covered the bare areas with plastic sheeting and weed suppressing material. It's all had to be weighed down against the wind, and I've used bricks, stones, tiles, logs, anything heavy including two wooden pallets. It's not a pretty sight at the moment. But come the early signs of spring it will all be removed and the bulbs can bloom, the shrubs can put out leaf, and lots of new planting will happen, fruit trees included.

Indoors it all looks different too. There's a Christmas tree on my desk in the new downstairs study, deorated with lights and baubles and looking great when all the main lights are off. Christmas cards are spread along the picture rail, and there are berries above the mirror and paintings. Norweigian candles adorn the four main windows in the front of the house. I love it when these are all lit, and hate it when they come down. It looks so dull without them. And I've brought the kitchen sofa into the sitting room to accommodate us all. The kitchen looks a bit sad now. Maybe I'll end up getting my 6th sofa in the New Year?

Kitchen sofa temporarily seconded to the living room

The shopping is nearly all done - just a few last minute things I'd forgotten. The house is packed with food and more is coming by way of a Harrods hamper with Kitty. The wine rack is heaving under the weight of its contents. The rooms are all prepared, white bedding sparkling in every one. Presents are wrapped under the Christmas tree, the log baskets are full. Everything is ready for Christmas. Bring it on!