Monday 9 December 2013

last week’s picture gallery …

I decided to give the blog a bit of a make-over – changing the colour scheme was the easy part – trying to get a photo to fit the header was an entirely different matter.  It took hours of frustration before I got it right – these technical things don’t come easy for me – and, now that I have it sorted, I’m not really sure whether I like it or not – bother!

Now for some photos to give you a flavour of last week:-

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Christmas present buying is complete – the last one arrived this morning – wrapping and decorating has now commenced, cards still to be written - and soon I will be scouring the hedgerows for greenery to bring inside, the tree baubles have been rescued from under the stairs, the twig tree dusted off – and yet I still can’t get into the Yuletide mood.  I definitely haven’t found my Christmas mojo yet.

Have a good week!

34 comments:

  1. What lovely sunsets! I think the sunsets we have been having lately are a bit of compensation for the lack of flowers at this time of the year.
    I'm impressed by your techno skills. It's all a mystery to me. Fancy being able to change the colour of your background. I must give it a try.
    Chloris

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    1. Hi Chloris - thanks for visiting and leaving a comment.

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  2. I make my own Christmas cards and my printer has decided now is the time to break down! Typical!

    I like the picture book approach

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    1. Oh no - I guess it's a new printer then!

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    2. I tried Epson support who said they couldn't help as I wasn't using their brand paper - could be the fault of the paper - even though I used the same paper successfully last year! Printer companies seem to want to fleece you with high cost ink and paper and won't help if you dare to stray.

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    3. When I was printing out the novel every night I went through ink like nobody's business - £50 for a double cartridge is no joke.

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  3. Although you may not be feeling the Christmas spirit quite yet, you are spreading Christmas cheer with your very header and busy preparations :) Lovely countryside colours, including the sunset ~ as you say Mother Nature does it best. I like your wrapping paper! . Hope you slow cooker worked well. Over Christmas I put in mine with some cinnamon sticks and a few other spices, and we have a warm drink available, along with a delicious aroma permeating the place ~

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    1. The slow cooker worked a treat - beef casserole, the meat was soooo tender.

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  4. *very festive header* I should re-read before posting comment ;)

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  5. I completely agree with Glo, you are making me feel more festive with this lovely post. Some gorgeous pics here with very poetical titles, I did love the secret streams!
    I am really jealous re you having sorted your pressies, I've bought about three!
    The needlepoint point looks very vintage, be nice to see it when you've finished. Here's to you getting the festive feeling soon.... you'll have to show us how you make the chutney! xxx

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    1. I think I am the slow build up type, I think also because the weather has been pretty mild and bright it just doesn't feel like December.

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  6. Love your photos Elaine and your header looks really good. I was going to have a go but I think by the time I get around to do it, then faff around trying to do it, Christmas will have been and gone! I can't believe there's only two weeks to go. I'm pretty much organised just pressies to wrap now but there always seems to be something else to put on the 'to do' list.
    Patricia x

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    1. It was such a palaver Patricia - it seemed like a good idea at the time - if only I was a computer wizard.

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  7. I really love it! Looks very festive XX

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  8. It looks great and lovely pics too. As for the mojo !!!

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    1. I'm sure I'll get the Christmas mojo eventually but I'm getting fed up already with all the Christmas ads on t.v.

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  9. I don't feel at all Christmassy, but then I never really do until it actually happens. I like the new look!

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    1. I think I'm turning into Scrooge - oh dear

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  10. I must go today to buy an appropriate presents for my factrice (post lady). The one I'd previously bought was too expensive, and might give the wrong idea. I'm now thinking of a chocolate reindeer...... That's Christmas for you; nowt but problems!

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    1. I know what you mean - I'm sure a chocolate reindeer will be well received.

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  11. I love the festive header and the lovely countryside pics, especially the secret stream and the reflections. Love the skies and hedgerows, too - the dawn/late afternoon light has often been beautiful at the moment.
    I wish I could get more organised for Christmas. I'm just not in the mood, either.

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  12. Love all these photos and I LOVE the new header - very Christmassy :)

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  13. I know exactly what you mean about the technology of getting you blog layout the way you want it. And yours is really nice. Sounds like the spirit has found you.

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    1. Thanks Ann - it took a while but I got there in the end.

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  14. Well, you did better than me - I struggled for ages with the size of photo for a header and then gave up. Yours is very festive. Your photos are lovely especially the skies - I'm nearly there with cards and pressies too:)

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    1. I have the dimensions written down now so I hopefully won't have any trouble next time (she says hopefully)

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  15. The header looks great and was well worth the effort. As you know, I change my header almost every post and so it has become easy for me. I have a crop that I set up in Photoshop that resizes the image and makes it the perfect pixel dimensions in one simple step. If you ever want a few images resized for your header I would be happy to help-just email me.
    I was wondering how you made out with the book and had to scroll down your blog to find out. I see you finished it. Good for you! The ending certainly sounds intriguing.
    I envy how green the landscape looks there. Here everything is brown and grey. I have done some decorating, but little shopping. Christmas is going to be very low key this year.

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    1. Thanks for the offer Jennifer - I may well take you up on it one day. Our weather at the moment is very mild and not at all wintery - thank goodness.

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  16. Good for you, Elaine and that header image is very sparkly festive indeed. D

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  17. I love your new colours and your header is so Chrismassy
    You do sound so well organised! Sarah x

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  18. I'm with Dave, I like your festive header, but then I am really getting in to the Christmassy thing this year, even made mincemeat for the first time in ages.

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