These definitely are 'de donkere dagen voor Kerst" as we say in Holland, or 'the dark days before Christmas', it's dark, gloomy and, as we also say in Holland, 'water-cold'.

Typically referring to the literal shortest, darkest days of winter they of course are leading up to the December 21st Winter Solstice, the period of longest night.

                      

We got all that rain they predicted last week and than some! Our rain-gauge showed 6.5 inches (16 centimeters) in just 2 days! Holy smoke!

                                                                        

The (3) ponds are full to overflowing but fortunately the large culverts in each one have funneled enough down the hill to keep us from flooding.
Here're some pics of how the pond in front of us (the highest on the hill) filled up:

That small 'peninsula' in the front is gone and the blackberry bushes in front of the RV are standing almost in the water.
Looking towards the back here, that dark tree-stump in the middle is now under water ..

                    

  

 

      

We've seen the first little diving-duck in the pond, but we spooked it before I could take a shot, and I've heard the distinct call of a Kingfisher .. cool!

When out walking in between the rain-showers, I noticed these tiny little mushrooms growing in the hollow of a dead tree. It looks like a secret little world in there ...

     

On Sunday we drove to Mcminnville to see a play in the theater, the last one of the year.
Appropriate for the season it was called 'The Best Christmas Pageant Ever' ...

 
This play refers to a beloved children's book by Barbara Robinson and its popular adaptations, where the unruly Herdman kids hijack the church play, leading to chaos that ultimately reveals the true, heartwarming meaning of Christmas through their authentic, unexpected performances.

It was a touching, funny, and memorable performance, the youngest of the Herdman family stealing the show with for sure being the loudest 'angel of the Lord' we've ever heard.
There were a lot of children in the audience which might have been why (or because) it was a fairly short show of only an hour and 15 minutes, without an intermission.

The local newspaper called it 'best ever' indeed. We had a great time!

                                        

I'm still not overly in the Christmas spirit somehow. 
Living rural doesn't expose you to all of the Christmas hectic and going-on you see much more of when you live in a town or city, and I'm happy about that most of the time, but you have to work a little bit harder to 'feel it' I'd say.

So, when James had to go to Sherwood where he had an appraisal to do, I went with and he dropped me off at the shops there. 
After 3 hours of Christmas music, screaming children and seeing the buying-craziness that goes with the season first-hand, I was more than happy to go back home. 
Back to my peaceful little house, to sit next to my cute little tree in my cozy jogging pants and fluffy slippers and watch a sappy (Christmas) Hallmark movie .. 

Or write some old-fashioned Christmas-cards. 
Yup, still doing that, although only to a select few. We don't even get many back but I just like to go through the ritual of actual writing them. 
To my concern I've noticed that my writing is not that fluent anymore as it once was, having learned the cursive as a child ...
 
Handwriting is a motor skill that requires consistent use to maintain muscle memory and dexterity and the decline in handwriting fluency is primarily caused by a simple lack of practice. 
It used to become more of a problem mainly when aging would cause a stiffening of hands etc., but in this day and age where typing has largely replaced pen-and-paper writing in daily life, it affects all ages, probably especially the young, who don't even learn it anymore. Penmanship is a dying art which is too sad ..

                                            

I started some holiday baking, although these raspberry bars are not really for this season alone of course. 
But raspberry seems to be often used in Christmas baking somehow .. maybe their bright red color is instantly festive of course and it pairs very well with chocolate!

I want to try making some rugelach this year and either chocolate crinkles or Mexican wedding cookies. 
I better hurry though .. this season is over before you know it!

  

I finished another puzzle. Which is good, since it's high time to start a Christmas one!