Sunday 4 January 2009

So Cold..........

The last few days have been so cold.......
cold days.....cold nights........

the hellebores blooms are frozen and lie on the woodland floor.......


every bud, every flower frozen.........



the birds are hungry....the dunnock is not so shy these days........
sweet robin is all fluffed up, trying to stay warm........

the juvenile pied wagtail refuses to leave the garden.....his parents chase him constantly but bless him, he knows where the food is.......
the grandchildren visited.....dear Riley was full of fun.....he has the most fabulous sense of humour and always makes me laugh........
little Poppi was not herself.....she seemed tired and looked pale.....I think Christmas had been a little too much for this little darling.........
At the end of the day the sun broke through and gave some welcome light.......
such a beautiful close to the day.
Another cold night ahead.......a nice warm fire, Nella on my lap, a good book to read and Mr P by my side............can I ask for more.....I don't think so.....


34 comments:

Shirley said...

Probably not Cheryl, probably not :-D

Loved the first couple of ice shots. Ah... but the pied wagtail caught my eye - I didn't know they visited gardens. I have only every seen (and heard) them in cities escpecially as it gets dark when they all roost on trees in the pedestrian area of my local one :-)

We aren't having it as cold up here. A light frost some mornings. Tonight we have rain. Wishing you a great week :-D

Pat said...

Sounds like heaven to me.
Our bird feeders are now getting frozen so my DH poops the ice out and fills with water most days.
Ice pictures are really cool...don't know why I like them but I do.

Lisa at Greenbow said...

I know your heart is warm with those beautiful Grands around. That fire looks so warm and welcoming. I can visualize what you wrote. The furry warm spot on your lap and your Dearly Beloved Mr by your side.

Michelle said...

Beautiful photos, and I love the nice warming fire pic at the end. Almost makes the cold worth it!

Mary said...

Hi Cheryl!

You are having winter! That's good! We only get small doses of winter - as a matter of fact, I have an Easter Lily sprouting by the pond.

Your photos are breathtaking - the ice, and sun peeking through the trees are all so exquisite.

Well, stay warm, friend and hug those beautiful grandchildren :o)

I just tossed another plush dog toy in the kitchen can.

Hugs,
Mary

Wendy said...

I'll echo Shirl: probably not, Cheryl. Nice fire, love of your life nearby, doggie, book and home. Ahhhhhh.

Little Riley looks like quite a little munchkin. Full of mischief and fun. What a treasure.

Dear little Poppi - needs some TLC from her grandma. Such a sensitive little girl. Maybe the cold is too much as well.

Hope things warm up soon. I can't believe how fluffy that cute robin is!

Ruth said...

You have ice, now you need snow. That would cheer little Poppi up! I do love your little birds.

Rose said...

That sounds like the perfect ending to the day, Cheryl:) Even in the cold your garden looks inviting--while I don't like ice, it creates some beautiful scenes. And the young wagtail is quite a handsome little fellow.
Stay warm!

beckie said...

I am so sorry about all your flowers!:{ But even frozen they are beautiful looking. Like they have been dipped in sugar. The fountain picture is wonderful as is the pampas grass(?).

Riley does have a sparkle in his eyes. :) And Poppi looks very reflective...so sensitive.

Enjoy your warm fire and Mr.P. Quiet time like this is so precious.

Marimoy said...

I agree with Becki... Your flowers look candied. Quite nice. Lovely photos, as usual.

o2bhiking said...

Pretty pictures, Cheryl. You have a lovely garden and cute grandkids. Isn't being a grandparent great? Happy New Year. Art from the US of A.

Q said...

Dear Cheryl,
I have poured another cup of coffee, I came to visit. I came for a joy. I have found so much joy this morning, here with you, I am set for the day! My smile delights me! Thank you!
I see winter has graced your gardens with beautiful light. Each photograph is exquisite. I know that this is only a glimpse of the beauty that is all around you.
My goodness the birds are fantastic! I can see each feather of the sweet Robin. He is so cute, all puffed up staying warm. The birds do know you are their friend. The sun dazzles each seed at the end of your day and rainbow light is abounding. Wow...very, very lovely. Maybe nature photgraphy is your calling??? You do see the beauty.
Yet when I saw the photographs of Riley and Poppi I thought, "Ahh... she has captured innocence." Your camera does see what you see. Poppi may be missing the bees. She may be a sensitive....
Thank you for sharing the warmth of your fire and the love of your home.
I needed a hug this morning.Thank you for giving it.
Love and light,
Sherry

Cheryl said...

Hi Shirl....the pied wagtails are frequent visitors to the garden.....I have had a grey wagtail as well.......I love the way their tail flicks as they move.....fun little birds.......

It is snowing today.....winter is well and truly here......

Cheryl said...

Hi Patsi.......My feeders are frozen.....I only part fill them now so that the birds finish them in a day.....I refill them in the morning....it seems to help a little.....

Cheryl said...

A perfect finish to a lovely day Lisa......

Cheryl said...

Do you really think so Mich??

Cheryl said...

Dear Mary.....winter has a beauty of it's own......I can always find something to inspire me....

Easter lily, how beautiful.....enjoy.....

I had to laugh about the plush toy.....Nella killed a pink octupus at the weekend....lol

Cheryl said...

Hi Wendy......there is a lot to be said for getting older......quiet times with someone close are precious....

Riley is an absolute darling.....he makes me laugh so much.....he is a bright little boy......reminds me of a little professor....

Poppi is so sensitive......I see her vulnerability more and more.....but she has a wonderful mother, who I know will guide her......

Isn't the robin just precious.....

Cheryl said...

Ruth.....did you cast a spell when you left the comment.....it snowed overnight....not sure if I am pleased or not at the moment!!!!!

Cheryl said...

Hi Rose.....I do not like the ice either.....in the south (UK) we don't often get it, thank goodness. This year seems to be the exception....coldest winter so far for three decades......

Wagtails are cute....it is lovely having them around.....

Cheryl said...

Dear Beckie.....much to my surprise this morning it had snowed overnight and the little hellebores were all standing to attention again....isn't nature amazing......

Poppi is sensitive, she always tug at my heartstrings....sweet child. Riley is a lovely child and will always have a special place in my heart to. First grandchildren are a bit special.....

Cheryl said...

Hi Racn4acure.....grandchildren are just great....they warm the heart and lift the spirit. Of course mine are the best in the whole world... but everyone says that about their own, do they not??

Cheryl said...

My dear Sherry......always a pleasure to take coffee with you.....
thank you for waking me up to nature shots......I will think on that, you could be right......

Riley and Poppi are so sweet......Poppi is sensitive and dreamy......she looked a little drained, something was missing......hopefully I will have her on Wednesday, I am taking her to the garden centre to visit Buttons the parrot....she likes him.....he talks to her sometimes........

Hugs and warmth are always here for you Sherry.....

marmee said...

the end of your day sounds just like i love them as well. the fire going, usually jade laying beside me while three big dogs lay at my feet, dh is always nearby or reading in the same room. cheryl we have blessed lives.
your grands are adorable and i know they add so much to your life.
i love seeing the frozen images even though i don't like being in that weather. keep warm my friend!

Cheryl said...

Dear Marmee.....we are indeed blessed. I try to count my blessing everyday....we do walk similar paths......

I like the ice photographs but it is even too cold for me at the moment. That is saying a lot, I do cold quite well......

Perhaps if you blow hard it might go away!!!!

Gail said...

Cheryl,

The flowers were lovely and I am excited about your springtime! Poppi and Riley are precious....what a time you must have had in your beautiful garden.

Those rabbits are destructive! Yikes...I hope the chamomile tea helped?

Gail

Cheryl said...

Hi Gail.....the camomile did help a little.....but the next day I found more rabbit damage.....it just goes on. It is always the same this time of year. Also the ground being frozen they have no grass to eat, so roots are an option for them.......

Dawny P said...

All so beautiful as always Cheryl. But the first and last are my absolute faves. I know it's rotten being cold, but I do think we have needed this for a while. There have been so many bugs and germs about and I believe that the cold kills a lot of them off. So many people have suffered recently, and I hope that come Spring, we will all be a little healthier.

I loved your comment on my blog btw - I'm not quite as unhealhty as I make out, but I do love that sort of food. I have to try and stay on the straight and narrow, but it is hard.

Did Mich tell you we had a lovely chat the other day? She is a special girl you daughter - but of course, you know that. Enjoy your log fire, your husband and your lovely family. What a rich and wonderful life xxxx

Cindy Garber Iverson said...

I can't think of a better way to beat the cold than propping your tootsies in front of a fire. So cozy. I wish I could send some of our more mild weather your way right now. Looks like your garden needs to thaw out, poor thing.

Cindy

naturewitch said...

Hi Cheryl

That photo of your fountain is amazing - how it could freeze like that is a wonder for us in warmer climes!

Poppi looks as though she might benefit from some Ferr Phos, which is a Schuessler tissue salt. That dark colouration in the inner corners of her eyes is an idication for it, as is her pale face and slightly rosy cheeks. Her deep set eyes could indicate that Silica tissue salt would be useful for her too.

The tissue salts are extremely safe and children seem to respond well to them. They are also usually quite cheap, available at health food stores. The Ferr Phos is also good for those first signs of a respiratory infection.

Hope Poppi-girl is feeling better soon. xx

Cheryl said...

Dear Dawny.....that is very true, many people have been very unwell this year. I think it was the wet and miserable spring, summer and autumn we had....not enough vit D to fight infection........I must say it is too cold for me at the moment, and that really is saying something.....

Well, of course, I think Mich is great, but I am her Mum. I have to say though, she does have a heart of gold.......and is a kind person.......

I love a log fire.....I think they are quite hypnotic......magical even......you can see so much when you look into the flames......

Cheryl said...

Hi Cindy.....the garden does need to thaw out......some sunshine would be more than welcome, thank you so much.....When shall I expect it???lol

Cheryl said...

Dear Naturewitch....believe me if you lived here you would understand how the water had frozen. It is toooo cold....

Thank you so much for the info regarding Poppi, that is so kind of you and indeed helpful. Your diagnosis is spot on for the remedies....Poppi, like her Nanna, appears to have a weak chest....... she gets lots of colds and coughs.......

Betty Jo said...

Cheryl I didn't realize you are in the UK. I so love your country. My husband and I were thrilled to spend a year there, Sevenoaks, Kent some years ago. We rented a wonderful house known as Stonehouse. Your photos bring back incredible memories for me, especially since I lost my dear Frank only a couple of months ago. I hope you don't mind. I'm going to link to your blog so I can continue to see your gorgeous photos and walk down memory lane. Thank you so much.