Today is the shortest day of winter – the winter solstice. This marks the date when the Earth’s axis is furthest away from the sun, it’s the longest night of the year, but looking on the bright side (as I like to do) it also means we are on the downhill journey to spring!!!
This afternoon Carter and I braved the chilly weather and went to check out the new trees that were planted in the park just across from our house. I’m pretty sure they are Totora trees. One day I’m sure we will look back on this photo and marvel at how much both he and the tree have grown! And also maybe why my son was outside on the coldest day of the year with his knees showing…
The oak trees have all but lost all of their leaves and were looking very bare…
But the sun was shining (even though it didn’t seem to have much warmth!!)
This beautiful iceberg rose was hanging on grimly to a few blooms…
And the first of my bulbs were out… VERY early cheer. The rest are just beginning to poke their first leaves tentatively out through the ground.
These lovely white flowers have inspired the decoration on my latest (and presently most favored) creation:
Because when its chilly is there anything more comforting than a hot water bottle to cuddle?
If you are in the Northern hemisphere (amidst the heat of summer) I bet there is nothing further from your mind than being snuggled up with something warm… 
But because it is really cold here today – and tonight is going to be extra long – Ill be taking my hot water bottle (complete with new cover) to bed with me.
What’s the weather like where you are? Jxx
The Green Dragonfly 
Cold, cold, beautiful cold here, but the sun was glorious today and warm in a sheltered spot. Loving it!
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Yes it was lovely sitting inside today too… but outside was a bit… brisk!!
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how odd, it is the summer solstice over here in the UK and our sky looks far more wintry than yours! your hot water bottle looks lovely and very cozy
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It was an extra blue day today – I think it was all the snow that was not to far from where we are!
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Hi, here in England it’s warm and cloudy. At least my garden looks like its summer even if the weather isn’t as good as it could be for this time of year. Hope you are keeping warm. Kind regards Jen x
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I cant wait for it to be warm (not so much the cloudy), and for my garden to be a little greener. I spent the afternoon raking leaves… ugh! xx
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Love your hot water bottle cover and I know one of my sisters would love one.
Going back home soon to where it will be 12 tops and almost minus overnight lol
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Eeeeekkk, hope you stay warm. I think hot water bottles and covers would make to loveliest of gifts!
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same weather as you 🙂 got TWO hot water bottles now !
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Now that’s just showing off!!
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Bring on spring ! There is so much to love winter for but warm ,sunny days like today would be very welcome.
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I second that! I can’t wait for spring!!?
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It was pretty cold this morning in WA, but there wasn’t a cloud in the sky and at about 3pm it could be termed ‘warm’! Starting to get chilly again as the sun is setting – going to carry on with my crocheting – two blanket WIPs!
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Sounds like a good plan… I hope they keep you warm! I don’t mind the crisp clear winter days it’s the dreary ones when the sun doesn’t make an appearance that are the worst in my opinion!!
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You’re right there, Janette! Though it’s generally the clear skies that make it so much colder and we do need the rain here in Perth, so I’m happy for it to rain a couple of days a week :)) the blankets are for my son and daughter and are only 20cm wide each at this stage – so that I don’t have any squabbles, (they’re 17 and 22!!!! Lol) I’m doing a couple of rows on each at a time! And they want them before the end of winter – no rush, Mum 🙂
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No rush!! Oh dear I guess that means my two aren’t going to grow out of it… I can’t make something for one without making something for the other, or there will be trouble!!!
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Well Melbourne is only consistent with never being consistent. Bright and sunny today. I am feeling the same way because I am kicking goals, pattern wise thanks to certain “green dragonfly”
🙂 🙂
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And for us in France it’s the longuest day, it’s le jour de la Saint Jean
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Enjoy your wonderful long summers day 🙂
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The longest day here, in the UK. – not that you would know by the weather!
I’ve pinned your hot water bottle cover to my crochet board in preparation for the winter. It’s the second one I’ve seen in as many days. http://pinterest.com/ljv72/crochet/
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Thanks for stopping by, I’ll check out your Pinterest board!
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Today’s forecast for north Texas is a high temp of 95 degrees. I’ll be attending a quilt show this morning and back to the air conditioning at home in the afternoon. Have a good winter day!
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I hope you had a wonderful day… Sounds like a great way to spend a Saturday to me.
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Here in northeast Ohio, it’s a lovely, summer-y 68F degrees which I think is around 20C. Winter was VERY long for us so I’m happy to share it with you.
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Sounds wonderful!
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très mignon le petit bonhomme, de jolies fleurs et j’ adore l’ habillage de la bouillotte elle est au chaud elle aussi a bientôt biz
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Merci Dane!
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we are in the heat of summer, but thankfully, it is a mild summer. i love your hot water bootle cover, cute!!!
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and your little boy is a cutey, he will be a teenager in no time 🙂
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I know, I wish I could keep him like this, he is adorable right now!!
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Thanks! Enjoy your summer!
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It’s the first day of summer here and the longest day of the year! Happy winter day to you! Enjoy your new water bottle cover. Looks fabulous!
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Thanks Valerie I am enjoying it a lot 🙂
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Its been well over 100 for days here in the Arizona desert. 😦 winter in shorts sounds lovely 😉
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Now that’s HOT… I’m bet a little chill sounds nice!
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Here in Pennsylvania its 73° F, sunny and slightly breezy… Of course today is the summer solstice.
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Sounds perfect 🙂
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Here in the middle of the U.S. we are having extreme heat (90’s and up) with 73% humidity. I would be happy to share some heat with you if you would share some coolness with me. 🙂
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Ohh I’d like a little of that please.. Not sure we could send it over the net tho!
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About 82 here in North Carolina and wanting to rain. But I still want to make a hot water bottle cover. Winters come fast and cold. love Carol
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Maybe thats not too warm to make hot water bottle covers then? That way you will be ready when it really gets cold!
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Living in Wales, in the UK, our skies are a lot darker than yours at the moment, with constant rain and very chilly winds – I’ve actually had to use both of our hot water bottles this last few weeks 🙂
Using them, and then seeing your gorgeous cover, is inspiring me to do the same to my bottles so that, even if it is dismal weather here on the longest day, I’ll at least have something cheerful to look at 🙂
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Oh dear that doesn’t sound like much fun, I hope it warms up soon!!
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I think we’ve just experienced our Summer today! Lol
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Oh dear, I hope it keeps getting warmer!
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Hi Janette, Hope that cold weather comes our way!!!Middle of winter and it is still hot during the day!!!Cooler at night but not enough for a hot water bottle!!!Nature certainly thinks it winter!!!Trees are bare,flowers have died, lawn has died but still it is strangely hot here!!!Have a fab and happy week!!!
Love
AMarie
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I think I could live with that!!!
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On the northern edge of South Dakota we have been in the upper 80s for the past two days. We have had some showers at night, but lots of sun in the day time. Enjoy your cool, I will look forward to a few cool nights for now.
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Sounds pretty nice, and the rain will make sure the garden keeps growing!
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Hit the 90’s here today and we expect the same for the rest of the week. My veggies are growing and my trees and bushes in full bloom. It doesn’t last long. Before you know it it will be getting warn for you! Nice pictures
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Sounds lovely, my garden is pretty sad right now!!
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I was searching for crochet hot water bottle covers & google pointed me in your direction. I love your cover. Do you have a pattern for this? I’m wanting to make one for my father-in-law to go with his blanket I’ve made for a christmas present.
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HI Sarah, I didnt use a pattern. Its really very easy, just crochet a chain the width of your bottle then work AROUND the chain (not back and forth), about half way up leave a gap (where you will insert the bottle – most of the width of the back) chain the distance you left. Continue working around until its tall enough, then fasten off. Join the top leaving a wide enough gap in the middle (for the neck) rejoin and work around the neck until its finished. Fasten off, leaving the hole at the top for filling etc. Hope that helps!! Good luck, Janette
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