Friday 27 December 2013

Challenge Update - December

My 2013 challenges are:-

1) Watch one old film each month.

2) List five items on Ebay each month.

3) Have a date night with Mick each month.


I've been really looking forward to my film for December. I'd decided months ago that the film I'd choose to watch would be It's A Wonderful Life. This has got to be one of my favourite Christmas films ever. Mick, Eleanor and I sat down to watch this film together, Mick having only seen bits of it previously and Eleanor never having seen it before. I was surprised that Eleanor watched it all the way through as she's not a fan of black and white films, but she really enjoyed it. It's an inspiring story of how one person can touch the lives of so many other people, a real feel good tale for Christmas.

The last of my Ebay items have been listed and will be finishing within the next couple of days, I'm looking forward to seeing how much money I've made from items which would have just been discarded. I'm glad that this challenge is coming to an end as it's quite time consuming photographing, listing and posting items, though I'm sure it will have all been worth it when I count up what I've made.

We went for a meal in our local pub again this month for our date night, not very imaginative but it gives us a chance to spend some time together alone and to talk without being disturbed. Besides, we enjoy it there and the food is good.

I hope everyone's had a lovely Christmas. We had my mum and dad over for the day, and Mick's auntie and uncle dropped by in the morning to exchange presents. It was a wonderful day.

Yesterday, we decided to take Archie to the local RSPB reserve for his walk to blow away the cobwebs. I got a new lens for my camera for Christmas so it gave me a chance to try it out. We started off on one of the viewing platforms where the ducks and swans congregate, it can get quite frantic when food is thrown in to the water as a feeding frenzy takes place.


I think the swans look so serene.




This little fellow came to see what we were up to.


We walked by the visitors centre, which was closed for the holidays, to see which birds were visiting the feeders. This blue tit and great tit were having their fill.


There were lots of robins around too. This one was quite happy to sit in the tree having his photo taken.


I'm quite pleased with my photos as most were taken on a manual setting.

We didn't stay too long. It was a lovely sunny day but it was very cold in the shade.

I have to include a photo of Archie. Here he is resting after the exertions of Christmas day.


I hope you're all enjoying the festivities. Mick isn't back at work until next Thursday so they're ongoing here.

22 comments:

  1. The perfect film for Christmas viewing. Terrific pictures, I especially like the last swan one and the one of Archie. Flighty xx

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    1. I'm so pleased that Eleanor enjoyed the film too, it has such a beautiful message for Christmas. I don't think I've ever taken a bad photo of Archie, he's so photogenic.

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  2. Just perfect film choice! And Archie is beautiful. I'm glad you had such a good day!

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    1. It's such a wonderful film. Shhh, Archie will be getting a big head.

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  3. Your photos are superb. Great gift there.
    Love from Mum
    xx

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    1. Thank you. I'm still very unsure about photography, but I think I'm getting a bit better.

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  4. Our favourite Christmas film. You did so well sticking with your challenges, looking forward to seeing your next lot! Happy Christmas :) xx

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    1. It's a favourite here too. I'm still finalising my 2014 challenges but I'll let you know what they are soon.

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  5. I've loved following your challenge for 2013 and think you've enjoyed the film and date night part especially, but not so much the ebay part, but well done for keeping it up. Were the photos taken with your new lens? I'm still using mine on manual, but hope to do a short course on photography once we move. I really do need to know more about my camera. Love the photo of Archie. Take care.

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    1. You're dead right about my challenges, though I'll be pleased with the money I've made from the Ebay part of it. All these photos were taken with my new lens, it has a much bigger zoom than the lens the camera came with, but I could definitely do with taking a course in photography, I wish I could find one in my area. I think Archie actually enjoys having his photo taken.

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  6. It's nice when Christmas and New Year run into one long holiday isn't it ... Mr K. isn't back in work until the 6th of January and I'm really looking forward to having him at home for a bit.

    Wishing you and yours peace and joy in the year ahead x

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    1. I love having everyone at home together, especially for a long period such as this. I know we get our summer holiday together but it's different because we go away, so Christmas and New Year is a period I always look forward to. Thank you, sending wishes for peace and joy back to you and yours too.

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  7. We're still relaxing with festive nibbles here, no work til Tuesday. I've never seen It's a wonderful life, I feel I should have though!

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    1. It's great to have a long break, isn't it? We're just pottering and doing whatever takes our fancy, it's wonderful. You should definitely try to see It's A Wonderful Life, I'm sure you'd enjoy it.

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  8. I think your photos are brilliant! Love the robin.
    Archie looks very comfy having a good rest after his walk.
    I've never seen It's a Wonderful Life, but we've taped it this year.
    Lisa x

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    1. Thank you, I'm quite pleased with them. Archie's had some good walks over the festive period, he's needed them after all the turkey he's eaten, and he found his newly opened packet of treats on Christmas morning and ate the lot except for two! You'll enjoy It's A Wonderful Life, it's one of my favourite films.

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  9. Sounds as if you have had a lovely family time Jo. We have too. A lovely quiet simple christmas. We have both only had a couple of days off work, but enjoyed it nonetheless.XX

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    1. I think family is what Christmas is all about, we've had a wonderful time and it's still ongoing. Sorry to hear that you only got a couple of days off work, but I'm sure you made the most of the time you had.

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  10. Your photos are beautiful, Jo. Of course, I had a lump in my throat when I saw Archie - but it's a good lump. Give him an extra hug from me! :o)

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    1. Thank you. I will certainly give Archie a hug from you, he does love his fuss.

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  11. Your photos are beautiful Jo - especially the last one of Archie!! Hope you had a great Christmas. xx

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    1. Thank you. We had a lovely Christmas, thank you. I hope you did too.

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