Clouded with snow
The cold winds blow,
And shrill on leafless bough
The robin with its burning breast
Alone sings now.
The rayless sun,
Day's journey done,
Sheds its last ebbing light
On fields in leagues of beauty spread
Unearthly white.
And spark by spark,
The frost-fires kindle, and soon
Over that sea of frozen foam
Floats the white moon.
A short post just to get back into the swing of blogging. The last few weeks have been very busy but now the freezer is full, the tree is up and the presents are wrapped so I'm more or less ready for the festive season. My younger son is here this weekend delivering and collecting gifts so for us the winter festival has started and I have a nice quiet week ahead to enjoy it. I shall be blogging much more regularly again from now.
I must also belatedly acknowledge the Liebster Award given to me by Susanna Holstein of Granny Sue's News and Reviews. I really appreciate the honour and there are many deserving bloggers that I could pass it on to but at the moment I simply don't have time to do it. Thank you anyway Granny Sue:)
Gorgeous pictures and perfect for setting the mood. I'm about to tackle the supermarket for the 'last push' and it's sunny outside! I don't feel too festive right at the moment. I love the robin. Thank you for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteHi Rowan - we are heading out your way today in the hope that we may find snow! Can you send me a copy of your book? Let me know your address and I will send you a cheque for the book and postage. xxxx
ReplyDeleteGorgeous header photo, Rowan, and I also like the other images. I'm in awe of your early and complete preparations for Christmas. May you have a great one, and congratulations on the award.
ReplyDeleteHi Rowan,
ReplyDeleteI love the photo with the robin.I hope you enjoy a lovely week knowing you are all ready for Christmas.
Merry Christmas!
Carolyn
Thanks for the lovely post to enjoy this Sunday morning, Rowan.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back, lovely pictures. I know you're enjoying your son's visit, our daughter gets here Thursday.
ReplyDeleteI too have neglected my blogs being too busy. I am going to do a week long of Christmas posts now. You sound very well organized. Do you host a big family gathering?
ReplyDeleteAh...the sweet robin. We have one who rules our garden and is a joy to see.
Hugs from Holland ~
Heidi
Lovely poem. I love your christmas header. Still a few bits and bobs for me to get for Christmas, but I'm getting there ... :0)
ReplyDeleteMay your holidays be warm and happy, filled with love and family and friends. (8>)
ReplyDeleteGreat new header Rowan.
ReplyDeleteNot your projected weather forecast I hope.{:)
What a lovely post, I love your robin photo. We have put the tree and swags up today and I'm starting at last to feel a bit festive. I hope you enjoy your time with you family this week:)
ReplyDeleteAlways happy to see you 'back' :)
ReplyDeletePrep almost finished here too, I tend to do a bit more than needed so there is a nice long rest period until after New Year.
The little robin picture is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays to you and your family.
What a lovely header photo. Hopefully not too much of the real thing yet (though Tam did say you'd all had a bit of snow recently).
ReplyDeleteI too need to get blogging more regularly again. Life has gotten in the way this year . . .
Good that you're back.My preparations are now restricted to the pudding course as my daughter has taken over...lovely moment!
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely word-pictures in the poem. We've not had snow this December in Kentucky. After spending most of my life where winters are long and cold, I'm content with this milder form, but, oh, fresh snow is pretty to look at--preferably from a warm place!
ReplyDeleteRowan, what an enjoyable post, how lovely the photos and poetry are. Glad to know someone is ready for the holiday. The Christmas spirit is slow to find me this year,but come Christmas Eve we here at Dog Trot Farm will attend Church, our hearts will be open and we will thank God for all our blessings. Merry Christmas to you and your's, greetings from Maine, Julie.
ReplyDeleteso organised, I am in envy! I have managed to get our winter branch dressed though..... enjoying your verse and the pictures when the extra trees and reindeer popped up - impresiive, how do you do that (from one of meadiocre technical skills!) Greetings to all for the winter season.
ReplyDeleteWhat serene, wonderfully lovely winter images and a perfectly paired poem. How wonderful that you've been able to greet the last week before Christmas so organized and ready for the long winter months that lay ahead.
ReplyDeleteMany kind thanks for your blog comments, dear Rowan, I sincerely appreciate them (agreed, winter muffs most definitely need to make a mainstream comeback).
Wishing you a beautiful Monday & countdown to Christmas,
Jessica
What a lovely post - and I'm so happy to see you back. I love this time of year with all the festivities.
ReplyDelete