At last, I’m sitting at the computer with enough time to have a little chat.  I can’t believe how this week has flown by and now the Christmas counter is saying seven days, just 7 days to go. I think I’m pretty organised, despite the odd gasp of dismay as I realise something I’ve forgotten.  If we get snowed in before I get to the shops I can rustle up most of the Christmas dinner, but I’m really hoping I can get to a bottle of Harvey’s Bristol Cream!  Mind you, if we do get snowed in, I’ll have masses to eat, ‘cos it’ll just be me, Higgins and Henry!  Please can everyone send up a little prayer for Tim to get home from work safely on Tuesday?

I popped into Norwich on Wednesday  for a tidy up at the hairdressers and to finish the Christmas shopping and have to show you how pretty Norwich Arcade is looking for Christmas.

Higgins and I went for a very chiily walk while we waited for the promised snow to arrive, at least the going underfoot was firm but I do feel sorry for Higgin’s little tum being so quite close to the ground!

It’s times like this I realise how little Higgins is.  Everytime I try to photograph him when we are out walking I look at the picture and he’s just a little spot in the middle!

Once we back home and the fire stoked up there was present wrapping to do. I had planned to use brown paper and red raffia, but then I went to ‘Glory Days’ and found this…

…which took me straight back to childhood Christmases – and it still looks good with red raffia.  I didn’t have any labels which matched, but with a little help from the scanner and Photoshop I came up with these…

I made a little stocking too, using some of the pretty trimmings bought at ‘The Owl and Sewing Cat’, and a bell from one of last years chocolate reindeer!

Outside though, something was happening…

…And we popped out to see if it came up to Higgins’ knees…

We certainly haven’t had that much snow here in Norfolk but it’s very cold and it’s so beautiful.  Another walk for Higgins and me this morning…

Higgins, once I’ve dug him out of the bottom of his bed, really enjoys a romp in the snow…

After all the fun outside I had a date in the kitchen with the Christmas cake. It occurred to me that if I didn’t get some marzipan on it PDQ I’d be icing on Christmas day. Anyone else made their own marzipan this year? I think I did years ago and don’t remember having to beat it for twelve minutes over simmering water and then over cold water until it was cold. Thank goodness for the food mixer!  I then moved on to the Frangipane Mince pies which are delicious but I can’t photograph them until the morning hopefully brings more light. So more of these, and the recipe next time.

Heavens, look at the time!  I must away and make up the fire and get ready for ‘Strictly Come Dancing!    Tomorrow I have Christmas bunting to make and I have to look for a saw so I can pot the Christmas tree…

See you soon, keep warm x