I do nt care what the weather man says...

Well the weatherman confirmed it was the shortest day and yes the days will be getting longer but it also means the start of the coldest part of the year.
It's been miserable for most of the day with strong winds and heavy rain as you can see from the view through the window of the poor old pheasant as it tried to walk with the wind behind it.

Although St Thomas' day is now celebrated in July it used to be on 21 December. 'St Thomas day, St Thomas gray, The longest night and shortest day.' It is usually the shortest day (can be the 22nd some years) often the Christmas preparations are in full swing but it is also a time to reflect. In England it was a day of charity when poor women went a 'THOMASING' or begging. Wheat was cooked and given to the poor.
It is also said that if unmarried women climb over a stool onto the bed and then throw their shoes at the door so that the toes are pointed downwards they will have visions of their future husband.
It's a good day to brighten the house with plenty of candles and lights but also nice to switch everything off and have time to think in the dark.

Today we went down to the church as my friend Anne had arranged a Festival of hope. This included a tree of hope where you could write a special message to be hung on the tree, hot chocolate, mince pies and carol singing.

Also saw BrownBuddy1, Poppy and Bud at a very wet and windy Point.

Todays Yule lad is a bit creepy he's the Window Peeper . He likes to creep outside windows and sometimes steals the stuff he sees inside !

Now getting ready for strictly :)