Such is the speed of light changes, especially at this time of the year, that, in the two minutes it took me to sling on a dressing gown, get downstairs, and grab the camera this morning, the completely red dawn sky had streaked, but still looked dramatic.
Today the usual division of labour between Jackie and me applied as we continued the run up to Christmas. The creatively practical member of the partnership decorated the tree, and the administrator wrote the cards.
The last collection is at 4.45 p.m. As I walked to the post box in the dark, I noticed that a couple of our neighbours have also festooned their facades with festive lights.
This evening we dined at The Royal China restaurant in Lymington, where we enjoyed our usual plentiful meal with very friendly service. We both drank Tsingtao beer.
I also had the opportunity to photograph the ‘Christmas tree’ formed from lights forming streamers suspended from a star-topped maypole. I had forgotten my camera when we were here yesterday.
I don’t do Christmas so it’s amusing for me to observe the frenzy around me this time of year. 🙂 You don’t put on a dressing gown and keep a red dawn waiting, Derrick!
Thank you, Mary. 🙂
Nice seasonal pictures, though I’ll be glad when it’s over.
Thank you, Quercus. I couldn’t manage all your events
Beautiful photos, Derrick. The colors in the sky fade fast, don’t they?
Thank you, Jill. They do. I’ve often missed them
It is so amazing that the lights twinkle so dramatically at 4.45 in the afternoon! I took Siddy for a walk at 10pm the other evening – just approaching twilight……….. The tree looks beautiful and I’m sure you wrote the cards very nicely! Happy Christmas Derrick and Jackie xoxo
Many thanks, Pauline. X
These are lovely 🙂
Thank you, Alex
You know how to run up to Christmas in all the best ways! The decorated tree looks pretty, Jackie, the cards will arrive safely on time, Derrick and congrats on finding a lovely sunrise and beautiful Christmas tree after yummy Chinese dinner. I have been craving General Tso’s for a month now. 🙂
Many thanks, Robin. What is General Tso’s?
It is one of my favorite Chinese dishes at many restaurants in the U.S. it has broccoli, sweet and sour sauce with some “kick” or spice in it. I see red chili peppers in yhe sauce. Usually chicken is served with rice. I like instead of egg roll as a side, instead I choose crab rangoon. I have seen it spelled Zso or Tso. Not sure if it is Americanizing Chinese? Smiles, Robin
Many thanks, Robin. Not seen that. Will look out for it. 🙂
Smiling and glad you have a sense of calmness in your “presence” here on wordpress. Derrick, I just know all will be merry and bright at your special celebration! 🙂
Thank you, Robin
True christmas spirit
Thank you, Sylvie
So pretty! 🙂 absolutely love that tree. 🙂 I don’t think you can have too many fairy lights. M surprised me by decorating the whole front of the house with them while I was away, even though no one can see it but us here in the middle of nowhere. This weekend we shall do a night drive into town to see what others have done, I hope they’re as pretty as your photos! 🙂
Many thanks, Bianca
Beautiful Christmas lights and tree, Derrick. I love how your Christmas tree is reflected in the mirror 🙂
Glad you noticed that, Monica. I had to press up against a wall to produce that effect
I understand. It was a little hard, but the result is fabulous 🙂 Congrats, Derrick
Divide and conquer! Lovely, Derrick.
Thank you, Laurie
Your blogs always take me along . Thanks:)
Thank you, Mukhamani
So festive! 🙂
Thank you, Julie
Very nice shots. You did well. 😃
Thank you, Sylvia
This is lovely. Christmas is in the air.
Thank you, Micheline
Quite the attractive tree! I might post ours, which we chapped down at the tree farm. I hope to always have a real tree in my home–the fragrance is delicious as well!
Thank you, Cynthia
Oh, dear–chopped not chapped. I was feeling a bit chapped, though, at the end, as it was wet AND cold.
I thought that was just your accent 🙂
Heehee
Lovely post!! Already feeling the Christmas cheers 🙂
Thank Mithai – and for all the other posts you have visited
You are most welcome, had a very good & fun time going through your posts 😀 😀
I like to think about everyone around the world turning on their Christmas lights. I like your tree with those droopy garlands!
Thank you, Weekly