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Merry Christmas 2012

It’s ages since I wrote a blog — sorry — the bit I don’t understand is how I can find any time this close to the madness of Christmas. Well … the decorations are up; the cards are sent; the presents are wrapped and are actually under the Christmas tree; we’ve had a lovely lunch with my quilters and I’ve written a list of what we’re eating during the festive season; so maybe it is a good time to write.

 
Snow on the Carneddau at night in December 2012
 

Outside the light is beginning to fade, but the snow capping on the mountains of Snowdonia is still clearly visible through the windows: the cloud is descending and soon it will be totally shrouded.

The lights of Bangor are twinkling across the Strait, and it is clear towards the west, but eastwards along the coast, towards Llandudno, both land and sea have vanished behind a veil of mist.

In the morning, the sun will rise again from behind the mountains, bouncing light between the snow and clouds bringing us one day nearer to Christmas.

Our family will be home with us and I can’t wait…….

Have a lovely Christmas and a very good New Year.

From Dorothy and Daf xx

PS As I have been writing, the mist has gone from the east and I can see the twinkling amber lights along the coast: the hills have darkened to deep, deep blue and the light in the clouds above them is amazing. I never fail to be entranced by our constantly changing views.

Dorothy Russell

December 2012

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The view from Coed y Berclas

The weather here at Coed Y Berclas has been stunning and varied over the past few weeks. We have had clear blue skies and sunshine; some rain: and the most amazing mist which rolled in from Llandudno and envelloped the whole coast, bit by bit, as it travelled west. We watched, astonished, its smothering, blanketing progress. Even the tips of the mountains vanished from sight, but when the moon rose, it climbed into a near cloudless sky. Fascinating!

Snow covered Carneddau from Coed y Berclas

For some weeks the mountains were covered in snow and glimmered to stunning effect in the sunlight, but, as much of Britain took on a mantle of white, the rain, coming off the Atlantic, washed the snow from Snowdonia, apart from the highest peaks.

On Anglesey we have had a few hailstones from time to time but no ‘proper’ snow – I have to admit this is the way I like it – looking out at beautiful snow covered mountains but free to move about easily on snow-free Anglesey is just perfect.

Now we are looking out at the sun twinkling on the waters of the Menai Strait; the misty morning mountains beyond, outlined against a whispy sky.

The pier has Lowry people strolling along it in the sunshine. All the masts of overwintering yachts stand upright, like so many matchsticks, waiting for the new sailing season to arrive: the harbour is quiet except for the mussel boats and the occassional visit of the sand boat.

And, set in its beautiful parkland, Penrhyn Castle slumbers through the winter months, preparing for all the National Trust visitors who will arrive in spring. This is what I see as I type – how lucky we are.

Dorothy Russell

8th January 2012

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MILD AUTUMN

Misty Autumn view of the Carneddau

ceanothus still in bloom

This autumn the weather has been incredibly mild, which has been a delight to us – I’ve been catching up on a bit of gardening, enjoying fresh air and bird song and it has been lovely to go for walks, but there are plants which are getting a little confused. The roses have been blooming as though it was still summer and some sections of the ceanothus have burst into bloom; they must think it’s May!

We have had stunning blue skies and starry, moonlit nights to step outside and gaze up at – no frosts yet! I just hope the birds don’t start to think it’s spring and begin nesting.

We are still eating the fruit we harvested in late summer/early autumn and have plenty left in the freezer to see us through the winter, so that when winter does arrive in a white coat, we will be reminded of the balmy days of summer.

Dorothy Russell

20th Nov 2011