Christmas Eve

[ismenin]

The Oxen

Christmas Eve, and twelve of the clock.
"Now they are all on their knees,"
An elder said as we sat in a flock
By the embers in hearthside ease.

We pictured the meek mild creatures where
They dwelt in their strawy pen,
Nor did it occur to one of us there
To doubt they were kneeling then.

So fair a fancy few would weave
In these years! Yet, I feel,
If someone said on Christmas Eve,
"Come; see the oxen kneel,

"In the lonely barton by yonder coomb
Our childhood used to know,"
I should go with him in the gloom,
Hoping it might be so.

Thomas Hardy.




Who have sent me cards and gifts both real and virtual this Christmas-tide. I love and appreciate you all. I cannot name you all individually, because I will leave someone out of the list - and I wouldn't want to do that!

There will be no 'Beyond Simla' posted this weekend. Please all enjoy the week off, as I will, and come back, refreshed on 3 Jan 2010. :D

Much love to all, Ru xxxxxx

Comments

[laeliacatt.livejournal.com]

Merry Christmas, dear Ru. *hugs* :D

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Thank you! Hope you had a good time, too! Hugs xxx

[arabia764.livejournal.com]

Happy Christmas from me, mine and Daisy and Molly the chickens!

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Thank you! Hope you had a good time, too! Hugs xxx

[primula-baggins.livejournal.com]

That poem made me think of the nativity scene my mother put out each Christmas and the little animals it had in it. I still have it, though it's missing one of the wise men. We 2 kings just doesn't have the same ring to it. :D

Merry Christmas to you and your family, Issi. I shall look forward to January 3.

*hugs*

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Thank you! Hope you had a good time, too!
Jan 3rd is here! And it is posted. Hugs xxxx

[mews1945.livejournal.com]

Thank you for the stories, Ru, and for your smiling presence here. Even though I can't see you, I can feel your smile. Happy holidays. ♥

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Aw, thanks love. I know your Christmas was a sad occasion, but I hope for brighter things for you all, in the new Year. Hugs xxxx

[janejanejane.livejournal.com]

Thank you very much, dearest Issi, and I wish you a very happy and peaceful Christmas with your nearest and dearest. Please give them my love and keep lots for yourself :-)

Btw, we are all here so Christmas can begin... Six hours to go and collect James, but we got there and back safely despite holdups for roadworks and two accidents near Stoke.

Jacqui risked driving here today from Norwich and although it took considerably longer because of road conditions and fog, she made it safely, too.

Loves you lots
Janie
XXXX

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Hope you all had a delicious time together, my love. Love you lots, too. :D xxxx

[janejanejane.livejournal.com]

Thank you, dearest Issi, had a wonderful time together, but now everyone's gone back :-(

When Chris set off with James after lunch I had a little cry... Miss James so much and wish he lived closer.

Still, it was lovely having everyone here :-)

Love you tons,
Janie XXXX

[verangel.livejournal.com]

*mini withdrawal* Have the most wonderful holiday Ru. Love you very much hugs a million! xoxoxoxo v

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Awww! When you get up - 19 is posted! Huggles :D xxxx

[pattilovesviggo.livejournal.com]

HAPPY AND PEACEFUL CHRISTMAS RU, IT WAS GREAT TO SEE YOU TODAY & THANKS FOR THE GIFTS, I HAVEN`T HAD A PEEK YET, AM KEEPING FOR TOMORROW XXXXX

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Thank you for your lovely gifts, me dear! Glad you liked mine. Hugses ;D xxxx

[lisabellex.livejournal.com]

Merry Christmas, my dear friend!

Beautiful poem and pic - thank you.

love and hugs!

xxx

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Thank you, my dear. Love and hugs back. :D xxxx

[slipperieslope.livejournal.com]

Beautiful...



Peace, my friend.

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Peace and love back. :D xxxx

[not-alone.livejournal.com]

Hope you had a lovely Christmas, Ru xx

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

I did! Hope you did, too. Hugses :D xxxx