Day 366- December 31st

We spent a quiet New Years Eve seeing in the New Year at home. Despite many cities around the UK cancelling their New Years Eve celebrations due to bad weather, the fireworks and light show in London did go ahead and we were able to watch it on the television. 

Day 365 - December 30th

I love Twixmas. Whilst we have already returned to work, I do love this time between Christmas and New Year when we feast on leftovers and have more time for lounging about and doing nothing in particular.

Day 364 - December 29th

This morning was quite cold and misty but we wrapped up warm and ventured out for a walk.

We started our walk at Stanborough Lakes on the outskirts of Welwyn Garden City.

We walked round the South Lake before heading out of the park into the open coutryside.

Soon we reached Welwyn Garden City Town Centre with Sir Ebenezer Howard standing proud on a plinth in Howardsgate. 

Sir Ebenezer was responsible for establishing the world's first two garden cities in Hertfordshire, Letchworth Garden City in 1903 and Welwyn Garden City in 1920.

Christmas decorations were still in place around the town and were very similar to those we saw last week in Ware.

After a pit stop for a hot drink, we then headed off out of the town via the Ayot Greenway.

The Greenwayt took us to Sharradspark Wood. The area was designated by English Nature a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1986 as well as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) in 1998.

Immerging from the woods we soon found ourselves in Ayot Green and after a short walk we were at Brocket Hall.

We have walked through Brocket Hall Estate several times before but it looked quite earie today in the mist.

Crossing the golf course we headed back into the coutryside and stumbled across Lemsford Mill. Lemsford Mill is recorded in the Doomsday Book in 1086 and is known to have milled flour since the 12th century. in 1925 the mill became a private residence and in 2004 was purchased by Rambers Holidays Limited and converted into offices.

Finally we arrived back at Stanborough Lakes and decided to walk round the North Lake before returning home.

Day 363 - December 28th

Today we started the day with a spot of shopping and a yummy brunch.

Day 362 - December 27th

For Christmas I was given some marshmallow hot chocolate toppers, so this afternoon I opened the box and popped one into my mug.

Day 361 - December 26th (Boxing Day)

This afternoon we went for a walk across the fields from Shillington to Pirton. It was quite cold but dry an thankfully not too muddy.

Day 360 - December 25th (Christmas Day)

Happy Christmas everyone. x x

Day 359 - December 24th (Christmas Eve)

Today we continued our tradition of baking some sweet treats on Christmas Eve.

This year we made mince pies and festive Viennese Fingers

Day 358 - December 23rd

Last Christmas I bought a polar bear tealight holder but when we unpacked the Christmas decorations this year, I couldn't find it. So, I bought a replacement. Unfortunately the polar bear version was out of stock, so this year we have snowflakes instead,

Day 357 - December 22nd

This morning we went for a walk. We walked a 5 mile route we've walked several times before - from Stanstead St Margarets to Ware and back. In Ware we found this huge Teddy Bear (one of several) which have been placed around the town centre for visitors to have their photo taken with.

The walk from Stanstead St Margarets was alongside the River Lee Navigation. We past lots of boats in their winter moorings.

We stopped briefly at the Amwell Nature Reserve.

In Ware we stopped for a hot drink and piece of festive Chocolate & Caramel Nutcracker Cake in Costa.

In the town there were several huge bear statues so I had to pause for a photo.

We then continued our walk, this time alongside the New River Path.

The ducks, geese and swans were out in force.

Back in Stanstead St Margarets we found two Christmassy post pox toppers created by the local craft club.