Firstly please let me say a huge thank you for all of the kind condolences that you left in the comments on the previous post. Such warm and loving support is a comfort in sad times and I deeply appreciate it. My father in law's funeral is on Wednesday but Toby and I will not be attending – it's beyond his comprehension and he'll not cope with such a busy and solemn occasion. My father in law was a well loved and much respected member of the community and for many years a senior teacher at the local secondary school so there will be many coming to pay their respects and honour him. I wish I could be there as Amy is reading a poem for her Grandpa but I will quietly light a candle here at 10.30am and be with them all in my thoughts.
Well, the weather forecast for yesterday was accurate and we did indeed get snow. Quite a lot of it as it happens, well at least compared to what we might usually expect here and even the birds were too perturbed to fly. It was a nice quiet and lazy day. Whilst we were far from being snowed in we decided not to venture out in the car and instead orbited the cosy zone in front of the fire, occasionally braving the outside chill to bring in more wood and fill the coal bucket. Toby was so excited to see the snow and wanted to go outside but didn't want to put shoes on (in his mind shoes are for going out of the front door only) and so he was outside for only a couple of seconds in his socks before, shrieking with excitement, he came leaping back inside leaving wet footprints all over the kitchen. It was worth having to clean up just to see his delight at the white stuff and I made sure he had cosy, dry socks to warm up in.
I cosied up for a spot of sock knitting (pattern: Laule'a by Cabinfour) and reading. Rather aptly I'm really enjoying Snow by Marcus Sedgwick at the moment and also dipped into some favourite seasonal books; Four Hedges by Clare Leighton and The magic apple tree by Susan Hill (thanks to Niki at the cottage for the recommendation, she has great taste in books and a wonderful eye for a beautiful photograph, check out her instagram feed and you'll see for yourself).
I'm also reading The Almanac: A seasonal guide to 2018 by Lia Leendertz, which I pledged to last year on the crowd-funded self-publishing platform Unbound, it's lovely to be a part of making an idea come to life and feels good to support individuals who are following a dream. Another lovely read and dream-made-real is Creative Countryside, a new quarterly magazine self published by Eleanor Cheetham. It's full of thoughtful articles and beautiful imagery and I've taken out a subscription so I'm looking forward to a copy for each season popping through my letterbox throughout this year.
So, that was our lazy snow day Sunday. I wonder if there will be more snow before the winter is out and if there is I'm not sure how I feel about it. The first flakes do create a stir of excitement but I think a prolonged period of snow cover would become tiresome rather quickly. How about you, are you a fan of snow or would you be happier to live without it?
little cotton rabbits 
i don’t know, i’ve never experienced snow.
love your socks, they so warm!
ha ha ha your son sounds delighted with the first snow
thanx for sharing
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Such fabulous photos Julie! And thanks so much, do hope you enjoy both of those xx
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I would be happier without it Julie….I admit it does look Christmassy and seasonal but as far as I’m concerned thats enough now, thank you! Although I’m so glad it brought Toby some joy!
I must check out some of those books, most are new to me but I do love Four Hedges. And of course the socks are wonderful.
It’s a shame you have to miss the funeral but needs must, I’ll be thinking about you all.
V x
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I love snow!! Waking up to laying snow AND snow falling yesterday was so exciting and I was up early taking photos before people ventured out with dogs and cars left tracks. Not looking forward to road conditions tomorrow after the freezing temps overnight though. Lots of cosy knitting time in this weather!
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We had snow as well — it was wonderful to stay inside and enjoy the holiday spirit. Very sorry to hear about your father-in-law. Time is short and we need to enjoy every minute with family and friends.
The dog enjoyed our walk yesterday in the snow for such a little dog — Norfolk Terrier — she just loves running and jumping in the snow.
Julie, I must tell you — I started knitting a bear for a new member of our family yesterday. I took out your pattern and was ready for an adventure. I must tell you — it was wonderful. You are amazing, the pattern is so easy to following and the pictures/suggestions just make the project move smoothly and everything works. It has been a delight to make this pattern with no questions, pulling out my work or using unkind words while knitting — it has been a pleasure and such fun. Have a wonderful holiday with your family. Deb M
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In your tenth photo, what is that little house-like item? All those holes…fascinating.
I love snow to fall, stay for a few hours, then melt away. That’s how it happens where I live in California. We used to live higher up in the foothills and would get enough snow for sledding. The children loved it, but it stayed far too long. We moved lower down and now we get a tease every few years. Perfect!
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The children would no doubt love some proper snow, we had just a dusting here, and I like it for the first couple of days. Love your photos today, beautifully captured. And the inside ones are deliciously cosy; candles, knitting and a good book, perfect. Stay warm. CJ xx
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Like you, I love that first day of snow when it is all so pretty especially if I don’t have to go out. But I do tire of it after a day! Will be thinking of you on Wednesday xx
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Well done for supporting the Almanac: I have bought two as Christmas presents. The Magic Apple Tree is one of my favourites. A friend lent it to me soon after it came out. I loved it so much she said I could keep it.
I could imagine Toby’s excitement and delight in the snow, from your writing. Lovely blog. Happy Christmas. x
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Here in Northern Illinois, we typically have snow from December through March…I LOVE IT when it first falls…and that quiet of a big snow is absolutely magical…and I get to wear sweaters and shawls pretty much every day :-). I have to admit, though, that it does get tiresome a few months in…but I would never want to be without all four seasons!
Thank you, Julie, for all of the book recommendations! I do have a question–for you and others who read the blog–do you read while you knit? If the answer is yes, do you use a stand to hold the book? An e-reader? Other suggestions? Reading and knitting are my two loves; I am a librarian…and often have to make that difficult decision between reading and knitting :-(. I have not been completely successful in combining the two…and I wonder how/whether others have been successful–I would love some suggestions!
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Hi Julie, what is the yarn you’re using for the socks? It looks delicious!
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Hello: The little house with all the holes are residences that encourage beneficial insects to one’s garden such as mason bees, ladybugs, ground beetles, etc. Here is a link that feature many interesting insect houses which, in and of themselves, are little works of art.
https://www.growveg.com/guides/insect-hotels-encourage-beneficial-insects-into-your-garden/
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We had lots of snow, Friday and Sunday, here in Shropshire, it was lovely at first staying in then got a bit depressing as cabin Fever set in. I was so lucky to have found your patterns when I retired, and had Granddaughters, I had never been able to knit very well but was determined to learn so I could knit bunnies in dresses. They’re not great, but I have made many now, as well as the other animals, mostly for my girls, some for my daughter in-law to raise money for a hospice, now for friends. However, I cannot master knitting in the round whic is very depressing. We lost my husbands brother this year to cancer and can sympathise with how you feel, loving thoughts to you at this sad time.
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I love snow! We so rarely get it in our parts, the sky preferring to share inordinate amounts of rain instead. But I love the peace and slowness of a snow day, when, through choice or necessity, you get to curl up and enjoy the unexpected gift of time.
At the weekend we had a scattering, and as a result, got onto the topic of weather at a pottery workshop we were attending. The tutor is a native of New Hampshire, where they get significants amounts of snow. 29.5 FEET one year. I’m very glad I don’t have to shovel that!
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Welcome to the Winter Wonderland that is Canada…although we currently just have a dusting. I love a good snow and how it dampens noise and makes everything look like it’s covered in icing. Very calming if you are lucky to get enough falling. Where I live I find the difference between enjoying winter or dreading it is the right coat and good footwear…oh and snow tires on your car. Stay cozy, know you and your family are thought of and enjoy your Winter Wonderland.
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So beautiful!In Portugal it started snowing. But not where I live.
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I live in Maine and I love the snow! When I was a child my mother couldn’t get me in the house after a snowstorm. I passed that love of winter onto my girls they snowboard, skate and they gladly go snowshoeing with me. We have so many beautiful pictures of the places we’ve walked,and so many wonderful hours spent together with cold noses! I know I’m talking too much, but I work with the public and the people I see who ‘hate’ the snow and winter in general are miserable, they complain and snarl all winter, the few I see who actually don’t mind the winter are happier, they get out, get fresh air and if they have plans and it snows they make a new plan! And spring is that much more beautiful and welcome, even with all its MUD.
Julie, your pictures are beautiful, your home looks so cozy and warm. Let’s enjoy winter while it lasts, remember nothing lasts forever and time goes by so fast, enjoy wearing those beautiful pinwheel mitts and those cozy socks on your next trek out into the white stuff!
I’ll be thinking of you and your family.
As always take care.
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Beautiful blog with such exceptionally beautiful pictures.
Thank you 🙂
I understand this not attending the funeral. I could not attend my father s funeral because i was nt ready to digest that he is no more.
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The snow pictures are lovely! I love snow and I love living in an area (Missouri) where we experience four seasons but I would be fine with one week of winter with snow and then move on! How exciting for Toby to experience the snow and just in his socks! Thank you for sharing your world with us. Your bunnies and bears are something I covet
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We had a bit of snow in Philadelphia recently. I’d be just as happy without it. Frankly, I’m miserable all winter long, and already long for spring flowers. I guess we should count our blessings when we have precipitation. Californians have the great misfortune to be the victims of a drought. If only we could all be of a mind about climate change and conquer its ill effects with a united front. I recognized your charming house as a bee house. I tried one but had no success with it. I didn’t realize insects other than bees use them. Every little bit helps. Love the birds on the roof. So sorry about your father in law. A life well lived, and a legacy left behind, it seems. A blessing.
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Beautiful winter pictures Julie. Enjoy some cosy days with your family. Not much snow here in Cumbria, just lots of ice, my grandchildren are so disappointed.
How brave of Amy to read a poem at her grandpa’s funeral, you must be so proud of her.
Thinking of you all. Sue x
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Just checked your beautiful blog, so sorry to hear your sad news, love to you all. My girls in Hoddesdon were in and out of the house all day with the snow, I must have tumble dried their clothes at least three times in the day, hope you have a peaceful and beautiful christmas xxxx Clare
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Snow or no? I live in Canada so snow is a given. I do love it BUT it does get in the way when you want to go somewhere. Today was our first snow day this year–schoolbuses cancelled, so even walkers stay home LOL. My boys have a LONG bus ride (an hour each way) so theirs is cancelled a bit more than others. Today I knitted on some secret mittens, and made the boys go out and shovel the neighbours drive, brush off my car etc. I love your pictures of the birds on the roof. Our birdfeeders were busy today!
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Such gorgeous photos – you really have a very good eye. ‘The Magic Apple Tree’ is one of my all time favourites to re-read, never in snow here in Johannesburg, but in quiet days. Thinking of you.
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This Aussie is ALWAYS excited by snow! I hope you find peace in your quiet time.
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By now the funeral has come and gone, I hope you managed it all okay. Such sad times especially this time of year. Take good care of yourself.
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Beautiful photos, like others have said snow is nice for a day or 2. After that I’ve had enough. I know children seem to love it especially if schools are shut. Cx
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