CHRISTMAS DIARIES DAY 21: THE WINTER SOLSTICE!!!

[@Loceandreamer]

Michael Potts is a genius photographer.......I am gobsmacked he was able to capture each persons sparkler magic! I am going to miss seeing Cat.....she, herself, is a spark of light! As are all of you.......your videos help keep sadness at bay.love to all at LaLande!

[@27Spiritgirl]

The Sparkler idea was AMAZING!!

[@mypioneergirl]

I'm going to miss seeing everyone everyday.

[@kimberlymoore9776]

Me to really bad!!

[@kit2130]

Me too, in the worst way

[@kylieholman3877]

Me too.

[@karinlau3]

I may have to watch last year’s vlogs again 😄

[@mypioneergirl]

@@karinlau3 I already did. lol

[@sarahburton3110]

Rewatching all Advent Diaries videos to get into the Festive Spirit

[@yummboy2]

The Christmas Fairy is magical, I love it. Really nice seeing Selmar out and about. His hearty laughter makes me happy. Cat, have a wonderful Christmas with your family and God Bless. Nice to see Michael Potts back home. I have been enjoying his photos on Instagram. Merry Christmas everyone!

[@ttbko]

i am definately in awe of Michael's photos on IG. Such a creative eye.

[@gglydie4242]

I'd love to follow him on IG, I just checked and it appears he has 5 accounts, do I follow them all??

[@teresacarle294]

Don't do IG, but it is always pleasant to see 📸Michael Potts and his photography. ☄It's a miracle he got anything approaching LaLande with the sparklers💥. Keep the🤸‍♀️creativity coming. 🎀Love it when all join in the fun 🤹‍♂️. No cynicism, superiority, or shyness allowed here. 💋Kat, we all wished we could've joined in on your impromptu hug mob. ❤Love you. 😞Miss you (already). 🕊Bless you. Our best wishes go with you. 🦌Happy Christmas (& Winter❄Solstice). May you all have a special celebration with a loved one this season⛄.

[@yummboy2]

michael_potts_photography is the one I follow. Hope this helps.

[@marierisdon8894]

Oh Kat, how you will be missed. Your bubbly personality, humour and creativity. Merry Christmas and have a wonderful time with your family. Such a charming lady!!

[@iggle6448]

Yes, but the UK has been sent to Coventry by the world = it seems like no country is allowing in people from here now. And we've been threatened with a further post-Christmas lockdown... :-( So, I;m thinking her chances of getting back to Lalande before vaccination are very slim....and perhaps Stephanie's qualms were well-founded.

[@scpmdt]

Lovely to see Michael Potts back he is the ultimate photographer. Good to see Selmar more cheerful today. Cat will be missed. Even though she is venturing into unknown territory ie England where there is a new strain of covid. She is a person of faith & is protected by Him whom she trusts that is why she is so calm. Faith moves mountains. I know we will see Cat in the New Year. ❤️

[@chasethecat3839]

As my pastor says, "no fear"

[@Cllb3663]

"It's pitch black by 5pm" she says, "That late?" says me, in poor northern Canada where the sun hasn't risen in weeks :'( but seriously, these advent videos have been saving my cabin fever!

[@rayn8740]

I was laughing out loud. Thanks for bringing the joy!

[@lizadams3541]

Bee roll...lol...oh, Phillip, master of tassels and master of puns.

[@teresacarle294]

🐝 Tickled my funny bone. Glad no was stung in the hunt for 🦌Christmas greenery🌿... 😘Philip is adorable full stop. His adoration of puns and tassels are simply bonus. 😉Enjoy his playful and sometimes dramatic fashion flair -- esp. when he coordinates with Stephanie. 🤗Makes my 💛heart happy!

[@susanduff-silsby2695]

I wonder whether Stephanie should sing a lullaby whilst gathering mistletoe? Lulling the bees?

[@KawaiiNicoleSL]

24:37 That's exactly what they do! lol Cat's so funny.

[@melissasue4257]

We decorate the brushes and trees with popcorn garland and pinecones covered with peanut butter rolled in birdseed. It’s fun and reminds us to care for our outside friends during the snowy winter. This years advent videos have been my favorite to watch. ❤️

[@charleswalker1185]

Very much like a total habitat...as it should be...

[@NaeNae475]

“Is this what they call 🐝roll?” - priceless 🎉❤

[@Helenross]

Going to miss Cat. A special person. Come back soon .

[@Jonas-dc3gb]

I always imagine what you would find with a metal detector around the grounds of the chateau! Specially with the dried up part of the lake.

[@jamieselph2264]

Yeah Michael Potts and Ruth are back! Can’t wait to see Stephanie and Michael decorate the big tree! So glad to see Davy and Hash back and all the new plans to come.

[@sandfly60]

What a glorious holly tree. I've never seen one that size before! Now you need some ivy! 😍

[@TheresAGirlInTheGardens]

A pile of stones has never been more exciting!! So cool that you guys found the tower!! 🏰

[@jpat7726]

Can't believe it's day 21 already! 105,000 subscribers🙌

[@teresaobrien663]

I think you film ahead, so I hope Kat made it home safely before London locked down. I will miss her while she’s gone, can only imagine how happy her London family is to have her back ❤️

[@lilkirsche]

So wonderful to see Selmar in good condition and in your Vlogmas again. ❤️❤️❤️ He is such a gentle soul, really enjoyed it to explore the old tower sight with you and him, Stephanie. :) oooh Cat we will miss you, but did you make it? :(

[@janeblandford852]

Cat is an absolute hoot!! Love her sense of humour. Bless you Cat, Merry Christmas and may you return soon in the New Year!!! We and all of La Lande will miss you!!!!!

[@robwestley7370]

Sandra Westley I don’t think her return will be in the New Year as we are going straight into lock down on the 26th December all the way into the New Year. No New Year celebrations all banned, and she is going into tier 4 the highest because it’s got the new strain of COVID-19 that is highly contagious

[@lindastansfield1536]

@@robwestley7370 Hope you and your family stay well . Cheers from southern Ontario Canada . We are going into lockdown on Dec 26th as well.

[@ClaireSkyColorado]

Exciting episode 🎉

[@phil0s0phicj0ys]

"Bee roll"!!!! So good! I adore Phillip's puns!

[@onedandylion]

Oh happy days! Everyone present at this Lalande sparkler art installation will always remember this time of their lives. Thank you, Steph, for including us in this wonderful moment in time.

[@newday5]

There is only one word to describe Chateau de La Londe....Love

[@davidlalande]

Can I just say how much I love how you have managed to make the name “LaLande” synonymous with such lovely people, community, peace, love, laughter, friendship, beauty, food, design, and all things good. Thank you Stephanie especially and thank you to my fellow “LaLanders”, near and far. 🙏❤️

[@TappanZee1234]

Cat HAS to come back! She could make a career out of “hoarding detox” haha!

[@doramaemagnien2904]

You guys are such fun!!!!

[@k.j.2481]

Stephanie, I think the other tower is where those pine trees are growing. The trees probably seeded themselves among the stones and grew. Pines can grow in narrow creases between the stones. Look there.

[@jayneturnbull5041]

Wonderfully uplifting vlog. Sorry to hear Cat is going and hope she gets back soon. The chateau is looking fabulous for Christmas, the decorations are amazing. I can feel a real party coming on.

[@stefaniesombaty8980]

Everyone, don't forget about the Christmas star tonight. Saturn and Jupiter will almost align tonight and hasn't done for 800 years.

[@marlenesistrunk5300]

Clear skys here over the coastal SE US

[@ttbko]

Sod all to be seen here in the South West UK, its pouring with rain!!!!!!!!!

[@joannedobie765]

Am hoping to see that ,but today is our first snow fall here in Vancouver BC Canada ,it’s pretty

[@TwistedArtLady]

@@theselva Regardless of how it's done now, Christmas was 100% stolen from pagans.....Making stuff up for 2000 years! Lol It really has nothing to do with Jesus's birthday, they just wanted to end pagan stuff (and it didn't work at all.)

[@peggyvick935]

Also known.... as the BETHLEHEM STAR🌟

[@Leebearify]

To all of you....a huge THANK YOU. This was wonderful

[@camy.]

Lol when Selmar got so enthousiastic about the tower-find he spoke in Dutch 😂 Geweldig haha But yay for the find, very cool! Fijne feestdagen! Happy holidays and thank you all for all these advent video's! Merci🎄 😊🎄

[@charleswalker1185]

Love Michael's being there...he is such a good and genuine person!

[@CG-gm8fe]

LaLande the art of making every thing a celebrattion and making a big beautiful event from such small impromptu beginnings. Enjoyment for all in sundry.

[@stain0269]

I'd love to see the chateau and fountain lit up in Xmas colors with the outdoor lights Dan installed.

[@teresacarle294]

Dan helped 🌱beautify the courtyard ⛲, but one of the Ian's did the brilliant light 💡 installation.

[@hatshepsut8329]

Bravo, Mr. Potts!!! That is really amazing! Good to see Michael back home at the chateau! The holly tree looks pretty amazing as well...gorgeous and the fairy in the tree is perfect!

[@mavep2855]

What a happy chateau! You provide light during our darkest days, thank you Stephanie and company. 🎄🙏🏻😋

[@twotanks6427]

This year's Lalande lockdown team have been terrific and great company for us all. Sad to see Mandy and Kat leaving for Christmas but they deserve time with their loved ones.

[@chasethecat3839]

@@paulawynne6420 what??? Oh no

[@mcharlie260]

When Phillip said "b-roll", I also laughed quietly 😂😂😂😂

[@Jayrose59]

Exactly 🤣😂🤣😂

[@sandy-sagerabbitvintage2681]

Going to miss sassy Cat!!! Happy Winter's Solstice to all!

[@NatiHerron]

How exciting to see the old tower stones! Hurry back Cat! Happy Winter Solstice!

[@moiragoldsmith7052]

The " Leaning tree of Lalande" and the 'group hug'.... What joy! Thank you xxxx

[@helenascribe210]

The Leaning Tree of Lalande. I actually guffawed. I really needed a laugh today!

[@MK-77789]

Blessings! To everyone! Kat have a great trip. We are going to miss you! Stephanie love 💘 all the decorations!❤❤❤

[@kathrynnaughton4787]

That is the perfect tree for the 2020 year....that is how this year has gone-Merry Christmas

[@edsamson8916]

A great allegorical description of the solistice for Kay’s departure.

[@kdean9537]

Cat if you are reading this...Warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas with your family! Hope you have a wonderful Holiday Season! All the very best for a Safe, Healthy and Happy New Year! Here's to a brilliant 2021! x Much love from Ontario, Canada

[@dawngough1133]

The Christmas star could have been a perfect backdrop to sparkler writing. If you could find it that is! Hope Kat can avoid all of these awful blockades. She picked the perfect time to leave.

[@Rosa7388]

It's the Summer Solstice for us, but it was a little cloudy. Luckily the clouds cleared up enough for us to see the "Christmas Star" alignment of Saturn & Jupiter. Your advent calendar inspired me to finally make a Christmas cake today- it won't be very boozy since I left it so late, but I'm happy I finally baked one. I hope that you're all well and that Kat managed to get into the UK safely.

[@paulshields4780]

I don't want these to end!!! So much work for poor Steph but it feels like the day I found the chateau diary's about 12 months ago and I binge watched them all!! Going to miss the daily vlogs. You brighten our life, thanks so much

[@xaxmac1948]

Safe journey Kat, you will be really missed, you brought constant laughter to Lalande. Have a great Christmas with your family!😘😘

[@patriciaodoherty5202]

The walk was lovely and the holly berries were vibrant!

[@rejiestage8749]

OMG! the more people in Lalande the more of me being excited to watch the next episode of this Advent Calendar!😍 but Kaaat please do comeback soon pretty please!

[@memnorwood]

Safe travels, Cat! We hope to see you again in the New Year. Also, really glad to see Selmar is feeling better. Happy Solstice everyone. ✨

[@kristyrash927]

Hahah Philip “is this what they call the B roll”

[@jennymay4720]

I just love you lot of Lalanders. Thank you for being so silly.

[@sharon9399]

Such fun. Thank you. Now I'm off to decorate my sidewalk and bring the joyful spirit to everyone who walks by. I don't think the Magical Christmas Truck will come this year on Christmas Eve but I am still holding out the hope and I will be ready. Merry Merry LaLanders.

[@carolweaver3269]

Saturn and Jupiter could be seen in the skies and it was not seen for the last 800 yrs. This has been a moving experience with new people coming and so much happening at the Chateau TY for taking us on this journey. It has given me a jolt to move and get much more baking and things done. Such a talented group of friends that are visiting, and those who reside, and they all add so much to this history and life of the home and spirit of all. TY Stephanie for taking us on this journey of a little part of your life.

[@metropcs7560]

What a video, history is wonderful Selmar is wonderful!!! Stephanie is beautiful, the Potts are great!!! Love the outside views!!!

[@valeriejohnson5283]

I absolutely love the Christmas fairy you put in the holly tree. She was one of my favorite ornaments you received from your many viewers. 🥀🥀🥀🎋🎋🎋

[@yverose8355]

God I hope Kat made it before the borders closed. Guessing she won't be back until March at the earliest!!

[@yverose8355]

@The Rose Bella yeah, she said about going into tier 4, but the border closure was announced very last minute on Sunday morning.

[@francesaggarwal22]

She would be able to get back into the UK, but not out at present. Tier 4 is like a lockdown.

[@yverose8355]

@@francesaggarwal22 no, the French have stopped all flights, ports are closed and eurostar is shut down. Unless she she grows wings or can illegally get a small boat to take her, if she missed last call on the border she or anyone will be stranded. The border is CLOSED to everyone right now.

[@marilou862]

The borders are only closed INTO France not the other way!

[@meeganaschen8388]

Ranunculus are my favorite flower! I can't wait to see Marie use them in her arrangements!

[@roberthossen8354]

Selmar and Philip, you do us Dutch proud!! You show the best of us (thank God 😉🙏)!! Such an enormous pity Cat's leaving.... She's so enthusiastic, vivacious and a very creative spirit!

[@leejobes9520]

Your Holly tree is stunning! Quite lovely.

[@gertsgarden]

I’m very worried about Kat, please keep us updated. Love seeing you all work so hard. It’s great to sit back with a nice cup of tea and watch the chaos and not have to carry all that up and down stairs. Stay safe everyone and thank you so much for sharing your wonderful holiday with the world. Stephanie you are my 2020 Christmas Star! Happy Holly Daze too all!!!!

[@marymcandrew7667]

I think Philip and Stephanie make good co-hosts! They have good rapor when decorating and planning. Philip I love your sense of humor. So glad Selmar is OK, I was worried; I'm so glad he explained a bit and maybe a warmer area can be used for his workshop in winter? Kat, my gosh we're all gonna miss you!!! And Marie it's great when you show us how to put things together in a simple explanation, love the garlands and wreaths!

[@robinchurch5658]

What an auspicious day with the Christmas star appearing for the first time in 800 years AND on the winter solstice! Just saw it here in Chattanooga and it was amazing. LaLande, you celebrated the returning of light beautifully and so glad Michael Potts was there to capture it on film. But as to the leaving of Cat... I refuse to say, “ Goodbye”, only, “See you later and John 1:1”.

[@27Spiritgirl]

We will SO miss CAT !! She's such a delight. Hope she comes back very soon! xoxo

[@corinnegreen4765]

Brilliant xx lovely, happy people spreading joy to us all xx thank you Lalanders xx🥰🎄🎅🏻🥂🏰

[@corinnegreen4765]

Will sooo..... miss Kat x😢😘 come back soon xx🥰🏰🎄🎅🏻🥂

[@mtcannon2541]

What a wonderful discovery on the shortest day of the year! Brilliant!!

[@gisellenorbury2369]

Wow that was amazing Michael .

[@endeavouringit]

Merry Christmas Cat, Happy New Year, enjoy your choir singing and time with family, much love to you, we'll miss your fantastic personality 🙏🏻❤️🎄✞

[@normamiller2599]

Thank you. I always catch myself smiling while watching.

[@isabelleottawa3818]

My brother’s birthday is on Winter Solstice while his wife birthday is on Summer Solstice. What are the odds?!

[@teresacarle294]

🎉How cool! It adds another dimension of detail and 💕romance💕 to their union too. 🌠May the stars always shine upon them🌟.

[@lilyrose5806]

Was the same with me and my late mum. 21st June and 21st December

[@michellematthews8332]

We will miss you Kat! Have a wonderful Christmas with your family. Welcome back Michael 😊

[@monikastuckey8737]

Bye Kat(Cat)! Merry Christmas!

[@wandamackenzie144]

Purely delightful!!! Phillip's Bee roll, Cat's squirrel impersonation, Natti's "L", Dave's tree surgery, Steph's infectious laugh as always and Michael's brilliant Lalande pic WOWOWOWOW!!!! Bon Voyage Cat .. till we see you again dear heart.

[@kittyinserra5650]

I laughed out loud so many times during this video!! This video was hysterical! Keep up the fun.

[@leahhamdaoui7755]

A brilliant way to brighten and warm the Winter Solstice! Thank you all for sharing with us. Great to see Michael Potts :-) 🏰🌹💖🏰

[@lydiaschicklin5978]

Hello my dearest lovely Lalanders ! So happy To see Selmar out and about! It is such a good omen To discover the missing tower! But so sad that Cat is leaving ! I am really looking forward To seeing her back again! Bless all of you ! Bisous from Alsace! 😀😘😘😘🎅🎅🎅🎅🎅🎅

[@sheenadoughty8471]

Loved it!!!! bye Cat 😥 stay safe and you have to come back....we will miss you..

[@rosalindhambleton9012]

Wonderful to see everyone so happy and having fun ! Michael Potts such talent !!!!! This video is all about creating happiness !

[@lisadodge6515]

My heart is breaking because cat is leaving!!! Best wishes to you Cat, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your family please stay safe and hope to see you return soon. That picture was magnificent!! Yay Micheal Potts! Stephanie and all the Lalanders, I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a wonderful new year!

[@terriepowell2935]

Gorgeous transformation!!! BRAVO to the three wise men of LaLande!!

[@SharonLoans]

Perhaps some archeological students would be interested in the tower?

[@juliadouglas872]

You all are so silly, and, ....I love it. Merry Christmas.

[@jdowsett1]

Oh my goodness I’m sad to see Kat leaving. Hurry back home to Lalande Kat❣️You’re truly the smile and belly laughter of the Lalande 🏰

[@GildaSGiron]

Au Revoir Cat.... hurry back to LaLande! Have a Happy Christmas 💝🎄🌟☃️🎁🎅🙏⚘

[@raffaellavitiello1762]

Happy and blessed Christmas my sweet girl, YESHUA bless you and protect you, Shalom, and come bact soon we all hope

[@WillowTreePottery]

The tree would have been a perfect Dr. Seuss tree.

[@jajaazmi9186]

Merci beaucoup Stephanie! Considerate of you mentioning the time, for us who were very curious!

[@sharynhughes1061]

THE TOWERS AMAZING!!!! Decorations! WOW! - Winter Solstice!!! AWESOME Time!!!

[@sharynhughes1061]

Yey!!! it's Awesome listening to U..

[@ramonaduffey5016]

What a wonderful world.....That you have created at LaLande....Thanks for making it part of mine.

[@judithschatunowski6273]

Wow Michael! What an amazing photo!

[@shoshanachavab]

Oh my gosh Cat is going into lockdown

[@oceanbrzzz]

Every vlog gives me joy.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Bee-roll slayed me 🤣

[@elewysoffinchingefeld3066]

Gotta get Time Team out there to help you find the foundations of the tower!

[@shellsfacebook]

I am not going to cry that Cat is heading back .. Nope nope.... as tears roll down my cheeks. Please be safe Cat and I can't wait to see your wonderful sense of humour and smile again.

[@deboehler2926]

I am going to miss waking up and watching your daily advent videos. Please make more!!!!

[@karinbergman1646]

Beautiful-- lovely to see the Holly and Mistletoe gathering, and the Holly Fairy given in thanks to the tree. Good to see Mr. Potts and his artistic genius photography in action. That was amazing! I'm in awe of the tower remnants. I feel like your tunnel entrance (one of them) is in the woods near that conglomeration of stones where the trail passes by. That definitely has some purpose beyond a neat pile of rocks. If only you had magnetic resonance imaging and LiDAR. You can hire a company to do both, although I do think a drone with LiDAR would be a good investment for you! I know Percy was looking into it, and the technology gets better every day. I'm sure you might be able to get someone to do the geophysics at a very good cost if not gratis💗. Kat, come back! Are you a vicar, or an Anglican priest or deacon, by chance? Blessed Solstice to everyone! Such a special time of the year. I always long for the return of the light. 🙏🏻💗🏰⚜️💜⚜️🏰💗🙏🏻