December 11 - More of Villa Cooper

We have come to the other end of the dining room. The beautiful cupboard is filled with angels.

Blue wreaths - our theme is Blue and White Christmas this year.

More of the blue and white things. Many of these participated in our "My gift for Finland" competition.

Little Christmas trees for the tree or table.

Fabric hearts in many colours.

To be continued ...

December 10 - Villa Cooper revisited

Welcome again to Villa Cooper! These wreaths hang by the entrance, where they will keep fresh. They are perfect for welcoming guests at your door.

The dining table was covered with handmade candles is all sizes and colours.

Wreaths for indoor use, and tonttu elves in many sizes and materials.

Modern versions of himmeli. This link is in Finnish but the photos show the basic construction of any himmeli. You need straw, linen thread and a needle and scissors!

Come again tomorrow and I will show you some more!

December 9 - So few colours

When the sun doesn't show and there is snow on the ground, there are very few colours around us in the nature.

Some of our roses have bright red rose hips. I wonder if birds will come and eat them?

December 8 - Tracks in the snow

When there is new snow, you can see what has been going on in the garden.
Hare's paths crossing:

Squirrel's basic jump:

Squirrels' dance around the black currant bush:

And hares have been barbering our Spiraea japonica Little Princess:

Luckily they bloom in the new growth so we can cut the rest, if any, down in the Spring and have pretty bushes again.

December 7 - Snow or Water

Our weather doesn't seem to know whether this should be Winter or Autumn. Rain and snow alternate, and the lakes and ponds freeze over and the next day they are open again.

December 6 - Independence Day

Today is the 100th Anniversary of Finland's independence.

December 5 - Rowan, lime and birch

The rowan berries are waiting for birds to come and eat. Waxwings may come in big flocks.

Lime trees sometimes keep their seed long into the winter.

Birch bath brooms at the Christmas market. Made after Midsummer, they have been put to dry in a dark place and will feel soft and fresh after a soak in hot water. A special treat for the Christmas sauna bath!