Accidental Abstract

It's not mono...but I was so taken with it that I had to use it. Apologies to Ingeborg....I was finishing off the last of Nana K's cookies* and brushed off the pan of sprinkles into the sink where OilMan had left his toast plate. Even though I plead with him to put his dishes into the dishwasher instead of leaving them in the sink 'to soak', I must admit I loved the result when the little colored sprinkles hit the water. It got even better when I started to move the plate....

It's been pretty gloomy this week....trying to rain but not accomplishing much. The lights on the Christmas tree are on most of the day lending a festive indoor vibe compared to the dreary outdoors. It was lovely and quiet, however when Ozzie and I ventured out.

unheard sounds of wings
gently whirr upon take-off
multiplied by thousands

The starlings have arrived and are wheeling in massive numbers over the vineyards, filling the branches of the trees, and making swirling patterns in the sky. they would definitely darken the sun if there were a sun.

starlings swoop and swirl
gregarious passerines
harvesting old grapes

They are  European birds, often considered annoying and invasive, but they transform themselves into murmurations, huge flocks that all fly together and change direction together presenting dazzling displays against dark winter skies.They seem to be flying simply for the joy of it.

The gingerbread houses have been constructed. They proved to be rather more fragile than usual this year, requiring lashings of hot sugar 'glue' and a lot of patching,  but many sins can be covered with white frosting. 

*extra