Paper Lanterns

Almost midnight and I am just sitting down at home for the first time today.Been at work all day, then took Tyler to be clipped and tonight I was out to dinner with some dear friends.
It was long and difficult shift today, as almost all staff and volunteers were missing due to strike action.I was ready to collapse in a heap by the end of the day but am glad I went out.We had a great catch up and a good laugh together, a real tonic.
To be honest, I don't know what to upload for today.Tyler looked delectable when he came back from the dog trimming parlour.His mum (Lisey)asked if I could send her some pics of her boy, so I hurriedly took some shots before leaving for Walworth Castle tonight.I know that come tomorrow, he will be a complete bedhead and by the time he has had his morning walk, will no longer be the white fluff ball he is tonight.
We took some outrageous pics at the castle and I am so tempted to add one of my friends at their worst!!Have a priceless one of T playing the grand piano with her feet and then there's the one of us sidling up to our imaginary friend inside the suit of armour.Maybe a shot of the spun sugar on my dessert looking like a glowing spiders web would be different or what about that magnificent crystal chandelier shimmering over our heads ?
However,I am going to upload one from today, as it shows the continuing work on mosaics.The members were invited to make Chinese paper lanterns.I had to photograph them sitting on the window ledge and didn't like the background view through the window.Maybe a snowy look would make it a little more festive?See what you think.
Paper Hanging Lanterns have always been widely used to celebrate Asian holidays including New Year, the mid Autumn Festival and of course, the Lantern Festival.
The Lantern Festivals held across the Far East are celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month of the new Chinese Year. During the two-week festival children go out at night with Hanging Lanterns to temples to signify the end of the festival. In ancient times these hanging lanterns were mostly plain and simple, for only the Emperor and noblemen had large, ornate ones.
During the 16th and 17th century's merchant ships from America and Europe bought ships of silk to the Far East enabling the rise of Silk Hanging Lanterns. In modern times Hanging Lanterns have been established in numerous complex designs, including those of animals.
The Chinese hung Hanging Lanterns inside and around their houses with the belief that the light would help to ward off evil sprits. Nowadays Hanging Lanterns of all shapes, sizes and colours are used for their beauty, artistry and tradition.