Early start today! December sunrise.

Apologies for the mobile phone main picture. I took it at 8.15am when we got to the local shops. The sun was just coming up over the horizon. 
I had a toasted teacake and a coffee. We had to de-ice the car before we set out. 
The frost has not cleared off the the back lawn all day, and the roof of the school facing the house is white and crisp. 
The white plume leaving the chimney belonging to the school boiler is rising straight up in the exceptionally cold air of an icy blue sky. 
It will be another cold night. 
The birds have already gone to roost, as it is late afternoon.
Next door's cat spent yesterday afternoon on the back of our sofa. His owner's were at work. He has only started coming round since our cat died in November. They were sparring partners! 
I do not want to encourage him but it was very cold yesterday. 
He ran into the kitchen when Stephen went out to the garage to deposit some of the shopping into the spare fridge  when we got home. 
Then he took up his position on the back of the settee once more. Our neighbour had a day off, so I went round and she  came in to collect him. Cats are laws unto themselves. I did explain when he had started coming into the house, and that we were not feeding him. All very amicable. 
He greeted her and walked across the back of the settee to her to be picked up and carted off back next door.  
Another cat who lived a few doors away used to spend some of his day with a near neighbour and then go home at teatime! All cat lovers know they are a law to themselves!   
      Just now it really feels like the year is drawing to a close. Not a breath of wind, skeleton trees,  a darkening room indoors which makes the Christmas tree lights glow, as the day is fading. 
I am thankful to be cosy and warm. 
Almost finished the cards! 
And the Christmas presents have arrived in Texas!