December

We are now less than a fortnight from the winter solstice!

Winter solstice is something of a theme on both this blog and my social media because of how the short days impact life and scheduling here in Scotland (and even more with COVID affecting work culture). Lately, I am trying to find my scheduling comfortable spot. It’s a careful balance between spending time outside so winter depression doesn’t set in, keeping busy with tasks that are productive and comforting, and of course, making time for writing books. Seven Devils 2 is due this month, so a work/life balance that’s healthy for me is essential — otherwise, the book doesn’t get done.

I’ve discovered that I currently work best in the late evenings before bedtime (which it is, as I write this). I’ve saved daylight hours for exercise, recreation, and other calming activities before sitting down to write.

My favourite activity is walking around our farm and its environs with the cats (and occasionally my husband) to keep me company. Many plants have gone dormant for winter, revealing rocky cliffs along the river that runs by our house. The hints of red berries and holly along the banks are quite striking between the bare winter branches.

Oddly enough, we still have a few roses in our garden! I’ve included a photo of a pink blossom below; it’s nice to have one before they disappear until next year.

Since we’re in lockdown and trying to keep our contact with other people to a minimum, I decided to have a go at making my own holiday wreaths rather than buying one from the florist. I’m inspired by the winter plants growing around our property! They look beautiful! So I purchased a few cheap supplies online and Mr. May helped me gather some clippings from the garden. Then had a blast making wreaths, watching Christmas romcoms, and drinking the occasional dram of whisky (a superb GlenDronach 12, for the whisky lovers reading this!).

In my previous journal entry, I mentioned that we were hosting sheep in the field by our house. They’ve moved along to another pasture, and I’m going to miss seeing them! They were such a delight. I hope you enjoy these last photos of our fluffy friends.

And in other news, our Christmas tree is looking very snazzy! Mr. May and I love having a real tree in the house (it does smell divine), but I’ve always been saddened by tossing it in the rubbish at the end of the season. So last year, Mr. May and I decided to start a tradition of buying small potted Christmas trees and then planting them in January. That way, we have the joys of a real tree, and we also give it back to nature. Last year’s tree now graces our centre garden and is looking very happy there.

Other thoughts, observations, and farm things:

• Perhaps this will become another feature in this journal! (please do not hold me to this)
• I never thought I would say these words, but: we have had to beaver-proof the garden. Yes, we do have beavers in Scotland; they were reintroduced in 2009 after being hunted to extinction in the 16th century. One tried its very best to devour our apple tree! We have now secured the chicken-wire fencing, and hopefully, the beaver will not return to our garden but will continue to live a very happy existence along the banks of our river.
• The cats have grown needier in lockdown. I have personally been witness to our youngest, Bramble (the gray cat below), crying when Mr. May goes to exercise. Pour one out for me when he returns to the company’s office because I will then be responsible for three extremely needy cat children all day.

And now to the photos!

More later, much love,

xx