December is upon us!

“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.”
― Charles Dickens

Christmas is upon us! Or rather, it’s almost here. The Christmas feeling is just starting to creep in having done a few festive related bits this weekend and with just five days left of work, there is a definite feeling of the year coming to an end. Those who have been following the blog since it’s creation will have noticed that there was a distinct drop in activity this year. I can’t even explain why. I can only reason that I’ve picked up my phone to take a snap, more than I’ve picked up my actual camera. It’s not a bad thing, as at times I try and plan my shots a bit better, but I have missed the D-SLR. Lots has been going on however, so here here are a few previews…

Chocolate Oreo Balls – The Recipe

I’ve started having a bit more of a presence on Instagram lately and my photos of the classic Chocolate Oreo Cheesecake Balls appeared to be well received. I first found the recipe on Southern Living.

I’ve tweaked it a little bit, just a few short-cuts to make it easier. Firstly, chill the blended Oreo/cream cheese mixture before you roll the balls out otherwise there will just be a huge oreo coloured mess. Secondly, melt less chocolate! You honestly don’t need as much as they are suggesting. The end result seems to go down well with those who love sweet treats…

The Dog…

She’s had her twice yearly groom at the pooch parlour, and boy was she grumpy. But she came home a changed woman, having lost lost of her fluffy bits (elbows and trousers) and with less hairy ears. That’s the dog we’re talking about…

She has been very receptive towards wearing her festive bits and pieces and hasn’t moaned once (yet.)

The Decorations…

The tree is up, the festive bits are planted, the house is well and truly on its way to being full of festive cheer (hah!) and so is my parents, where we also worked hard to get everything ready for the season. Here are some snapshots…and that’s it for now, bring on annual leave and more time for photography!

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Day 220: Progress

“Girls you’ve gotta know when it’s time to turn the page.”
― Tori Amos

What an exhausting week!  I’ve only been doing bits and pieces, training and listening to people tell me lots of interesting things that seem to float out of my head by the time I get home but wow…it is exhausting! I’ve found out a bit more about my role and what I’m going to be doing, and more importantly my job title which is fairly exciting… The county is divided into several areas and I’ll be the lead Care Manager for Learning Disabilities in the central area. Actually, not ‘will be’ – already am! I’ve spent years of my career working to the demands of various care managers in the past and now I’m actually one of them, albeit on a slightly different team. I’m excited – especially to get trained up and stuck in!

Despite the tiresome week, we spent a few hours at the house this evening introducing my Grandparents to it, they seem to love it! It was so nice to see them there as well. Fiddling with the aerial and free view box for some time didn’t yield any results so we gave up and went ‘home’ through the pouring rain which is gradually intensifying.

The weekend will be spent productively…tomorrow is the last of the seasons Weddings to photograph and Sunday will be spent back at the house, tweaking and organising a little bit more. We’re getting there, slowly but surely! We even have a little Ash Tree planted in the back garden now….

 

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