A feature of the night...

It's been a long time coming, but we're finally there... the shortest day. My long nights of howling at the moon are nearly over. From here on, those long summer days can only get closer. Horray!
As you can see the photos have a nocturnal theme. The second photo is a bit dark, but click on it and it'll get all big and be much clearer to see (the wonders of electrickery). The bright 'star' on the left is Jupiter which is really easy to spot at the moment. Just right of centre is Venus. They are most obvious just as it gets dark. I can see them even from my patch of light polluted ether, so those of you in the darker areas should get spectacular view...

X-small Xmas...

'Grow your own Christmas tree', that's what the box said. It seemed like a brilliant idea. On special offer for only 50 pence in the January 2008 sales... Bargain! Complete with its own little terracotta pot and compost, what could go wrong?
Within a fortnight there was already a tiny spike of growth, and it wasn't even February yet. There was still 11 months of growing time before Christmas. I spent the wet summer carefully nurturing the little chap. Warding away any potential threat from snails or mischievous cats. After a years growth and Christmas looming, this was the result...

... I'd hoped for.
Unfortunately, this is the reality. Where am I going to get lights small enough to fit this?! I wouldn't say that I'm disappointed, but I'm thinking it very loudly! Still, it's going to make the presents look HUGE...