Denis

Well as the day of our winter solstice draws to a close on this day the 21st of December, the shortest day of the year and the beginning of the ancient tradition of Yule begins. The Celts believed the sun stood still during the winter solstice. They thought by keeping a Yule log burning in the hearth for these 12 days encouraged the sun to move, making the days longer, in reality the days dont actually start to get longer for about eight days. This old tradition of feasting, gathering together and celebrating over the next eight days might seem strangely familiar to a similar festival where a ficticious white bearded bloke supposedly flies around the world on a sleigh pulled by Reindeer who fly delivering presents in just a few minutes, and an excuse for an American beverage producer to bung lights on a lorry and promote their product while people stuff and drink themselves silly... Me? I like to be with my family and friends if possible, I like to share a meal and give and receive the odd gift. And it is a bit hard to push a long log through the front door and burn it for a few days in a non existant fireplace. But, I will remember and cast my eyes skyward to look at the Moon and the Sun if the weather allows it, and let my inner Druid feel some satisfaction of at least remembering what the real Winter festival is about... other than the corrupt commercial and religious farce this time of year has evolved into over the last 2000 years ! Happy Yules Til árs ok friðar - Good year and peace : ) and bah humbug !

Another great set Paul.... ,,, I often wonder what the neighbours think when they see you creeping around with a camera at midnight...

Yep, see the ladder at the base?, I have often sat up there photographing the Deer .

That describes most of my stuff

Not something I have done before either Matt. Many have done a lot better with macro lenses, these were just to amuse myself with during a walk yesterday

Had a few days of this weather the last week, but I was deterimined to get out with the camera for one last time before Yule...or lockdown! and this matches my mood this year

Well said!

I prefer the bridge print James, has a nice feel to it.

Well done again Matt

Fascinating stuff Les, a subject I could never tire of !

Three great photos as only you seem to catch them Geoff

Wow! 2mm and this clarity..well done again Paul.

Well caught Geoff !

Its bad enough sending these pictures to the Fire Service and having them use their own phone photos on their webpage...now Clicks is ignoring me .... Only Joking Polly

I like the compression of a telephoto lens on landscapes, adds a little more methinks

A scene that will change dramatically when the summer returns and the sky is blue Matt..... Love Cornwall and its coastline, and being married to a Cornish girl who can make pasties is a bonus

Well chosen and congrats Colin

I came across this scene yesterday, about fifteen Essex Fire & Rescue guys involved in the rescue of this inquisitive calf that fell in the river and couldnt get out. The calf had been in the water for some time

I googled your setup but it boggles my mind and wouldnt have a clue how to use it, I do like astro photos, Keep them coming Les

A great view all the same, I tend to leave things in as....they are there in the first place like the copper roof that has the green patina. But, I agree the lifebelt and roof were a little oversaturated.

Matters not how many views of a favoured place, every photo has its own different aspects

I was going to say the same, 2 stands out and is a great image, I dont see any problems with the sky at all...

A very colourful character too Colin, nicely caught

....and highlights the birds natural waterproofing nicely David ...and I'm sure that was really your intention eh?