Christmas Eve.

Well, not long to go now. Just minutes from when I post this blog. And what a week it's been to get to this point. 

There's been some crafting (or attempt at  crafting), some baking, some walking, and wrapping presents eventually. 

I think yesterday started off the worst. I normally go walking on Christmas Eve, but because of the weather forecast I opted to go yesterday. I nearly didn't make it. After getting hot chocolate and sandwiches packed in my rucksack and everything in the van, I set off and then realised I hadn't left the bin out to be emptied. No big deal you think. But knowing it was full and that we wouldn't be able to manage another two weeks, I turned round and went home. And there I got stuck.  I put the van in reverse to go on the drive and then nothing. It wouldn't move. Not forwards or backwards. Just stuck. In the middle of the road. HELP! I rang our breakdown provider who said we didn't have Homestart, and then they gave me a number of a local breakdown firm who were lovely. They came out within an hour and managed to move the van on to the drive. I'd had neighbours complaining that they needed to get past and had to end up driving over next doors garden to get out of the cul-de-sac. So much for friendly neighbours! Some were ok, but others didn't seem to understand that I just simply couldn't move the van. However, the van is now booked in to the garage next week as it appears there may be a problem with the brake discs. 

I nearly didn't go out after that. But, after chats with both DH and DD I headed off in my car. And headed to Rydal Water. And I'm so glad I decided to go. 

I went up first to see Grasmere ......

....and then back towards Rydal Water ....

..... with some fabulous views and this amazing view of a rainbow ...

.....and then up on to the fells where it was so peaceful ....

The light on the fells when the sun came out was so beautiful ....

I wanted to stay out longer but was conscious of how long it would take me to get back to the car park. So, a quick climb up to see Windermere .....

... and then the long walk back by the river back to the car. With so much rain around recently it was horrible to see how full the river was. With so many reports of flooding in Cumbria it was hard to look at this and not feel for the people affected. ..,,

It seemed to take ages to get back to the car, walking back past Rydal Water. But then I had time for a cup of tea before setting off for home. I made the mistake of stopping off at the garden centre in Ambleside to have a quick look. Oops. Big mistake. It's huge!! So I had a good wander round and bought a few things ....

Then when DH came home it was time for the Christmas shop. We got nearly everything. I just had to nip back out this morning to get a few bits before getting the spare room set up for us to use when my mother in law uses our room for the next few nights. 

So. The presents are wrapped and under the tree. The cake is iced (finally). There are mince pies and Ecclefechan tarts made. All that's left is to say 

Happy Christmas to you all!