Christmas Advent Magic - Day 16

Well after spending an hour and a half this evening trying to get home, I confess to cursing the snow. Actually it rained but it was cold so it turned to snow and the wet roads became icy in places. I did actually set off early from work with it all in mind but half way home is through Much Wenlock. It is very pretty but a degree colder due to the high levels. I am always taken aback by the white out! Unfortunately, someone had overturned on the icy roads and I do hope they are ok.

Last year was much worse to be honest and minus temperatures became almost the norm. It made for some beautiful images if you had the time or the inclination to brave the cold. So here is one from last year of the hoar frost.



That brings me on to my favourite Christmas carol.....

Good King Wenceslas looked out
On the feast of Stephen
When the snow lay round about
Deep and crisp and even
Brightly shone the moon that night
Though the frost was cruel
When a poor man came in sight
Gath'ring winter fuel

"Hither, page, and stand by me
If thou know'st it, telling
Yonder peasant, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?"
"Sire, he lives a good league hence
Underneath the mountain
Right against the forest fence
By Saint Agnes' fountain."

"Bring me flesh and bring me wine
Bring me pine logs hither
Thou and I will see him dine
When we bear him thither."
Page and monarch forth they went
Forth they went together
Through the rude wind's wild lament
And the bitter weather

"Sire, the night is darker now
And the wind blows stronger
Fails my heart, I know not how,
I can go no longer."
"Mark my footsteps, my good page
Tread thou in them boldly
Thou shalt find the winter's rage
Freeze thy blood less coldly."

In his master's steps he trod
Where the snow lay dinted
Heat was in the very sod
Which the Saint had printed
Therefore, Christian men, be sure
Wealth or rank possessing
Ye who now will bless the poor
Shall yourselves find blessing

For some reason this one has always been my most favourite.
Incidentally while I was travelling home, Bing Crosby came on singing I'm dreaming of a white Christmas....I was a little without Christmas spirit when I yelled at my ipod saying "And you can **** right off"!! ......just so everyone realises I too have my less than magical moments ;)
If you are on the roads over the weekend in the UK, do take care.....