Merry Christmas

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,

though you are small among the clans of Judah,

out of you will come for me

one who will be ruler over Israel,

whose origins are from of old,

from ancient times.

Therefore Israel will be abandoned

until the time when she who is in labour bears a son,

and the rest of his brothers return

to join the Israelites.

He will stand and shepherd his flock

in the strength of the Lord,

in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.

And they will live securely, for then his greatness

will reach to the ends of the earth.

Micah 5: 2-4

Nativity scene from the south window, Church of St. Thomas a Becket, Tugby 

The Season of Giving

I love a good Thomas Kinkade painting at this time of year, and the gentle snow falling on this pretty community really appeals to me.  There's nothing quite like those freezing December dusks, the big day so close you can touch it, and an extension of good will presenting itself from shoppers, travellers, and musicians on the icy pavements and sidewalks of our cities, towns and villages.  Not that we get ever so much snow down here in the balmy Westcountry, but it's still a wonderful, beautiful, heart-warming time of year that makes you appreciate just how good it is to be home, sweet home!

I hope everybody enjoys this season of giving, and finds some time for peace, love, and human spirit, in an often-weary world.

Starting out

I don't think it ever crossed my mind how much there is to do when you move into a new place.  First, there's all those companies to notify; energy suppliers, insurance firms, not to mention those all-important magazine subscriptions.  Then there's the council.  Oh, and the bank.  And, if you're like us, you also have to order virtually every piece of furniture and arrange deliveries around work hours.  The joys of moving... Now I understand why parents always used to moan so much about it!

Lizzie works out the intricacies of clothing rails

Seriously though, after what has been a very busy few weeks, we're finally getting settled, and people can expect invitations soon.  Last week alone we've got hold of a new bed, a new mattress, a sofa, a coffee table, bookshelves, a washing machine, drawers, clothing rails, bedside tables, and we've finally reconnected to the World Wide Web.  In short, normal service has resumed, and just in time for Christmas.

Chaos in our new lounge

A more relaxed living space

We're renting a second-floor flat in a lovely period property, with front-facing views onto golf range and Exeter's dry ski slope, in a very quiet part of the city centre, ten minutes' walk from the shops, a twenty-five minute walk to work, and absolutely no reason to use the car again in that awful Exeter rush hour that has claimed so many hours in recent years.  I'd go so far as to say it's a joy being able to leave the office and walk home, when I would usually be stuck amidst thousands of other stressed motorists, trying in vain to get out of the city and home for the day.

Our new dining table and chairs

Our lovely new bed

So, this is where all my blogs will be coming from for the next few months at least - not too shabby, I'm sure you'll agree (and sometimes when I come through the front gate, I pretend we own the whole house!)

Home (or at least part of it)