The Winter Solstice

Tonight as the shortest day approaches we snuggle up by the log fire watching the lights twinkling on the tree.  A melange of pine & juniper infuse the air, all is well as the Solstice approaches during the waning of the 'Oak Moon'.

Zeus - Master of his Universe

Lovely boy, I had to include this beautiful picture of you along  'The Cornish Coastal Path' following the steps of your ancestors. I didn't capture you surfing but we all know that you were the bravest & the best!!  Heaven is a cool place to be,  I will always dream of you surfing with the angels, they are lucky to have you.

Oh Come all Ye Faithful

Tonight in the lee of the 'Oak moon' we have had to accept that our faithful companion Zeus will not be able to surmount his difficulties,  He has been a strong,brave & faithful companion; an integral part of life at 'Valley Garden Paradise'.  We give thanks to him for gracing us with his wonderful presence.  The garden will always resonate with his wonderful spirit & joy for life.  For now & forever my darling boy, 'Rest in Peace'.

The 9th Day of Advent

What a difference from the scene this time last year! The garden was pure Narnia with the promise that an unsuspecting visitor may chance upon Mr Tumnus.The unseasonal warmth of this Autumn has finally given way to biting wind & rain as Winter sweeps in from the North.  I am not sure what the tender daffodil shoots & early snowdrops will think when Jack Frost burns them with his icy touch.  The robin & blue tits look in through the windows making sure that we don't forget to provide goodies for them too! As the year comes to a close & we prepare for the shortest day & the winter solstice the garden looks forward, preparing deep below the surface for the year ahead.

The Winter Of Our Lives

Advent is a time of preparation & expectation.  It is also a time of reflection - thoughts of the high points of the year- a time to give thanks.  Here at ' Valley Garden Paradise' we would like to give thanks for the gift our our gentle companion Zeus.  He is an integral part of this garden, his questioning bark, his morning inspections & his love of chasing our pheasant Elvis over the boundary! Tonight he is in the care of a wonderful veterinary team fighting for his life.  We are all missing him & praying for a miracle. Gardens are full of miracles, they bless us daily with nature's bounty, lets hope that Zeus will be returned to continue his wonderful reign over this magical garden.