December arrived with heavy rain and even at the end of month, fields are still dotted with huge puddles. Water loving birds taking advantage of these mini wetlands.
Much drier days in mid December, saw evenings entertaining us with some amazing sunsets.
Not much further north, the Aurora Borealis has been creating some stunning shows. We sometimes get a view of this but to tend towards the pinks and greens as a ‘wash’ in the sky, we rarely get to see the stunning sky dancers.
Balmy Yule Days
The beautiful short but brighter days are perfect for walks and cycle rides.
It is still very mild for the season, with most night temperatures not dropping below 6 degrees Celsius and some daytime temperatures even around 15 degrees.
Not a wonder that many shrubs and fruit bushes are eagerly coming into bud with weeds joyfully announcing their late encore.
Gardening on Boxing day was a treat and really felt more like April.
Enjoying the Fruits of Nature
The hedgerows are lively with birds taking advantage of abundant berries and squirrels jump from branch to branch or chase each other around tree trunks.
Little pockets of soil disturbance around the fruit trees hint at their stores of acorns and hazel nuts. This year has been a “mast year” so the nuts and seed cones have been abundant.
Birds eagerly await our offering at their table and feeders. The usual morning skirmish between the robin and wren is quite comical and regardless of the reason, little wren always wins.
I watch them play as I paint some new Irish Linen embroidery panels to restock kits which have been very popular as festive gifts.
Storage space in the studio needed a rethink, so I have been busy redesigning packaging for the smaller kits and panels. These can easily be made in our studio, so less space is required for stocking piles of boxes.
These stylish but understated folder envelopes are sturdy and still enable kits to be letter box friendly whilst offering great presentation for gifting.
Yule Decorating
I love decorating the house and studio with arrangements, wreaths and garlands using natures greenery.
Visiting the hedgerow and garden to find berries, seed heads and evergreens, keeps one in touch with the nature of the season.
The busy part of the season is over and I am Looking forward to a couple of days of down time over Christmas but I will be working on the new embroidery kits and panels which will be available soon.
Wishing everyone health, prosperity and peace for the year to come.
Maire x