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
Follow
Poor little Higgins in the snow!!! I feel sorry for them with their little bare feet! He looks quite happy and so cute with the snow on is nose in the last shot!
I love what you did to the chrstmas tags, you are soooo clever! And now your wrapping looks amazing! have a lovely week and have fun cooking!
Higgins is so beautiful with his winter jacket and scarf! Wonderful photos! You have made lovely labels for the packets! We wish you Joyful Christmas time! Teje and Nero
great post – the snow is here too and our cats just hate wet paws!!!
Oh Penny, it all looks and sounds so magically perfect! You are amazing! Hope the weather allows Tim to get back all right and Higgins to still enjoy his white cold walks! Happy Christmas from the sunshine coast!
Did you get loads more snow last night?
We had the most snow so far this month – lots of cars abandoned on the hill through the village.
And now the Carol Service has just been cancelled! Everyone is happy to drive to Sainsbury’s a couple of miles up the road but it’s too dangerous to go to church in the village! It’s not even cold inside – the heating has been on for 3 days making it all cosy. Talk about wimps?!!
Hope Higgins is tucked up safe in his little bed. The tabby and ginger ones are in our bed… don’t you just love cats 😉
Celia
Oh Higgins, do watch those knees in the cold snow! Only a slight covering in South Yorkshire, we had more than our fairshare earlier in the month!
Love the wrapping paper and the tags you made to match.
I buy my cake now, used to make/ice a couple but OH doesn’t eat fruit cake so get a little one just for me. No, never made my own marzipan.
Carol xx
Yorkshire terrier Tosca used to love snow when she was younger, but now that she’s a middle-aged tummy-trailer, she isn’t so keen. But what joy in those early years!
Hope you enjoyed Strictly! Loved the pictures of little Higgins enjoying himself in the snow, he’s a cutie for sure. Norwich Arcade really does look pretty, have to say my local shopping centres are not really coming up to scratch in comparison. Love your wrapping paper – it reminds me of the sort I used to have as a child and am still drawn to now, it looks so pretty with the bow. Your gift tags are very clever and nicely done – isn’t it brilliant what you can do on the computer? Never made marzipan but I love eating it, that’s for sure.
Higgins is so cute in his little scarf!
I love your gift tags, beautifully made. 🙂
I’m afraid I wasn’t too happy with the Strickly result, I so wanted Matt to win!
Vivienne
Merry Christmas, Penny – hope Tim makes it back without getting too snowy. Think you deserve a sherry for making your own marzipan! You give Delia a run for her money!
Wishing you a very happy Christmas with everyone safe at home.
What a lovely post Penny. higgins is just too cute and I love his festive scarf x I bought the exact same paper last year, just love all the vintage images, thesefeel somewhat real in comparison to all the crazy shiny stuff you can get these days. I found some Rupert the bear christmas paper which is good fun too. Hope you enjoy the wintery wonderful days and that tim is soon home, warm and safe xox
Beautiful pictures, yes indeedy!!!!
Your doggie is sooooooo cute, i could eat him up xx
Pingback: Needlefelt Cupcakes for Handmade Monday | planetpenny.co.uk