Friday 26th December
Today our bird feeders were visited by no fewer than five parakeets.



Thursday 25th December - Christmas day
As it was a beautiful sunny day, we opened our gifts in the conservatory.

 



While we were watching the birds on the feeders, we had two unexpected visitors which added bright colours to the scene.



Saturday 20th December
Harlow Carr has been decorated for Christmas and is well worth a visit.



Saturday 13th December
This afternoon we enjoyed the Christmas Music Concert at Saltmarshe Hall with a first rate local choir and soloists performing in the orangery.



Monday 8th December
We were surprised to see snow on the ground when we arrived at Coldstones Cut just past Pateley Bridge. It was a beautiful clear night but pitch black apart from the Christmas lights on the walls.
Unsurprisingly we were the only people there which made it even more surreal.
http://thecoldstonescut.org/

All the tops of the walls were edged with white fairy lights which gave a dramatic feel against the black of the night sky.



Sunday 7th December
Just through Pateley Bridge, we took the road to Grimwith reservoir. One brave person was out on a wind surfer and there were few hikers as it was very cold. There were lots of pheasant around, especially on the roads and as we returned heavy hail began and the roads were white.



Wednesday 3rd December
We made the most of the winter sunshine with a visit to Castle Howard.

To one side of the house there is a path up to New River Bridge and the clear views beyond.

The Temple of the Four Winds marks the end of the walk.

On the way back down we spent a pleasant time enjoying the view and the sunshine from the seat next to the statue.

The interior of the house was decorated for the Christmas celebrations. This is the main tree in the entrance hall.

Each dining room featured a table set out for a Christmas meal.

This is the view from the music room where there was a pianist playing the grand piano.