Seed pods

We seem to have escaped the snow that's causing chaos elsewhere in Britain, but it's cold - minus 9deg when we got up this morning. It did 'warm up' a little later, but stayed sub-zero all day, and it was a decidedly chilly walk on the Common with Louie, who potters along at snail's pace. Dozens of little birds were taking advantage of the feeders, and the blackbirds were picking at the crab apples - still on the trees and looking rather beautiful (extra). Couldn't resist blipping some seed pods on one of the spindle trees - now the bright-orange seeds have gone, the open seed pods look like pretty dark pink flowers. The trees are covered with them, and look quite spectacular!

A day of domestic chores before starting to make the house ready for Christmas. The tree is in the living room and I got as far as putting two sets of lights on it this evening - then, in the time-honoured fashion, one set decided stop working. Took the offending lights off the tree and established that they are definitely broken. Tomorrow I shall attempt buy replacements...