Blessed Yule...

The past two weeks have been a whirlwind, so much to do and get complete with.  So today, Yule, I decided to just have a day with the family and our new home.  The day started out foggy and gloomy like it's been the past weeks.  We did our traditional Yule celebrations with exchanging gifts and just enjoyed family time together.

I made a yummy fig and walnut spread

with lavender and thyme...it was wonderful.  I also made some tasty appetizers.  Then I went for a walk around our property. With the cold freeze and gloomy days not to mention all the cleaning and unpacking I haven't had a chance to explore.  So when the sun came out mid-day I was called to take a walk along the property lines.

What I found around us was magickal...

beautiful fields with wonderful Cedar and Pine trees, as well as beautiful Madrones.  The climate here in Oregon is very different, just a week ago we were in the mist of freezing rain and ice and snow every where now it's beautiful.  There's still greenery around despite the the leaves have fallen.  I think the moss on the trees makes everything look greener too.

The Creek is starting to fill...

with water already, so it's slowly running. I can only imagine how wonderful it will all look in the Spring when everything starts to bloom and blossom again.

We ended the night...

with a wonderful Yule feast and our traditional releasing ceremony.  

And a warm cup of homemade Wassail....

couldn't have asked for a better day.  Hope you all had a Blessed Yule too or Beltane those of you in the Southern Hemi!