In which I mention walking, snow flakes, tasty treats, tree decorating and other similar festive asides

On Thursday,  after several postponements, social distancing requirements and the vagaries of the weather - I finally met up with National Trust rangers and an artistic researcher for a magical, wet and misty walk in the woods in Upper Wharfedale in the Yorkshire Dales. We were there to discuss an incredible joint venture.

We walked through Yokenthwaite Farm - already well known in the area for it's picturesque setting and the handmade porridge and granola business that originated from the farm. It now it is more widely recognised as being one of the more important farms in the latest James Herriot 'All creatures great and small' tv series.

The path took us up in to a straggly wood - now looking all the more sparse - not only due to the season but to the every increasingly prevalent Ash die back - a virus killing off all the native Ash trees across Europe. We were meeting to discuss a way of marking the demise and the long term loss such a large and statuesque tree has on the countryside.

It was a deeply interesting walk, mixing art with science, folk law and faerie stories, planning rejuvenation with installation, regeneration with public involvement and benefit.  It is going to be a long project.

As apprehensive as I am, this is something bigger than I have been involved with before and it is deeper with serious generational longevity and ecological significance - what a project to be part of. 

On a lighter note, our village trail on the theme of snowflakes is gathering pace (was a light flurry and now is becoming bit of a snowstorm!). It is lovely seeing all the decorations.

With 2020 being not a normal year (not that you need reminding) we have had to forgo our traditional festive wreathy day - the first time since 2004 we've not had one. This week, there is going to be a small (as in just myself, Youngest and GF) gathering and we are going to make wreaths and festive foliage ties. I usually just make for our home and a couple of special friends but this year I am going make as many as I can and gift them to those who can not get out to collect the greenery for themselves.

One of the traditions which happens every year during our festive wreathy making - a very dear friend, one who I dearly love, always brings a pepparkakor tree (a Swedish gingerbread) and seeing we were not getting together for the workshop, it was one more thing to mourn.

So you can imagine my delight when, on Saturday she unexpectedly turned up bearing the most beautifully gingery hot and spicy pepparkakor tree - she and her lovely partner sat outside, fingers wrapped around mugs of tea, while Himself and I sat at our doorway doing the same, as we had a sorely missed catch up.  Thank you wildaboutwords - your thoughtfulness still brings a lump to my throat xxxxx

Continuing with thank yous - thank you everyone who shared their festive bakes and recipes - they were amazing - some of you are prolific bakers (looking at you lovely lady) and if you are wondering what I am talking about - just follow this LINK to see some super tasty makes and bakes :)

Our next themed link up is this Friday and is 'Trees' - really looking forward to seeing your wonderful blogs xx

ps Talking of trees, I finally dressed mine this weekend, Himself brought in Treebeard (yes our chrimbly tree has a name and he lives freely in the garden) for me, I think we have had him frolicking in our garden for nine years now - he is looking little rough this year (mind you - don't we all?!) so I think his 2021 treat will be to be re-potted so he can spread his toes a little :D However, it is his time to shine - repotting can wait till warmer (drier) weather xx