Remarkably warm.

The owls spend their night chatting on the gutters outside the bedroom window. They finally fly off when Angus and the PONs set out on their 7:45 am walk. The owls settle on the plane tree facing the  gate. Six round white faces peer at us. Sophie glares at them. She heads off down the road emitting her throaty eighty a day growl. I used to think the owls congregated on the gutters as part of their vole and shrew hunting routine but as the voles and shrews are  (presumably) hibernating there must be some other reason for their behaviour. Don't believe anyone who tells you the countryside is quiet.

By the time we get to the end of the village the street lights are off.  They come on at seven and go off at eight. A recent money saving initiative by the mayors secretary. The Christmas holidays have started so there's no traffic. Even the early rising farmers and the young garagiste on his motorbike seem to be away. Bob and Sophie sit beside me on the storm drain. PONs can be remarkably warm companions on a frosty morning. Bob and his master discuss the Virginia House of Delegates, Sophie looks out for cats.

The PONs are loaded into the back of the car for a trip into town. The bakers, the cafe and the fishmonger all visited in short order. Croissant crumbs at the bakers which is a pretty good start to the day.

In the lobby of the soon to close Galeries Lafayette an attempt at seasonal style. I thought the shop might be full of bargain hunters but it's completely deserted. Despite the three mannequins there is something rather sad about the place . A kind of retailing version of the Marie Celeste. It closes for good at the end of February.

A Christmas Handicrafts tent has gone up outside the church. We pop in quickly to see what's on offer. There is much sculpture made out of driftwood and extruded metal. We show dutiful interest then leave.

Here's a very Norwegian take on a Christmas carol. The diction is remarkable : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VGQZwIlWiU