Cold

Yesterday morning, we stood watching out of the kitchen window. A goldcrest was working its way up and down the box hedge. Drawn closer to the house than I’ve ever seen this tiny bird, it was systematically, and with the air of urgency, checking every spider web it could find. There was a lull in the snow, but still bitterly cold.

I hope it found enough.

Like the rest of the UK, we’ve had it cold this week. Not as cold as some, and until yesterday, it was dry and windy only. We had time to check provisions. Rearranging and setting up so that everyone could work from home. It might snow, but life goes on and we have never had living in the sticks stop us for long.

It snowed pretty much all day, yesterday. A foot and a bit drifts. Our flat front garden isn’t flat any more, as Blue found out this morning. As I write, the rest of the family are digging out the drive, to avoid the ice rink we’ve had in previous years. One frozen pipe was sorted before it became a problem.

Yesterday the snow was like broken shards of snowflakes smashed against the surfaces. It stuck to nothing. No good for snowmen, but they did manage a slippy slope for sledging.

Our roof was virtually clear, as the snow was blown off it in great clouds of white, before it has the chance to accumulate. That is snow not smoke in the photo below.

Another snow day today for the children and we’re meant to get freezing rain, with more snow to follow. Blue is less than convinced by the snow balls attached to her paws, every time she goes out.

World Book Day (postponed)

I thought the choice of Gandalf, with his warm cloak, was a perfect option for World Book dressing up day, judging by the below average temperatures forecasted. Not that the boy used that as his criteria. He likes the Hobbit, which is the best reason of all. Could you ask for more?

The costume came together quickly. I made the hat. The boy was helped by one of his sisters to make the pipe and the staff. Everyone helped with the beard. So it was a tad disappointing when school was cancelled today. Although a snow day is always welcome when you’re 10. I’ll write more about his costume soon.

St David’s Day

We celebrated St David’s day with welsh cakes and epic tales, mainly about snow. Plenty of hot chocolates and roaring fires to warm us up too.

We are so used to dealing with wet weather, that below freezing makes a change, but not for too long, please. This week seems to have been focused on thinking about cold, judging by the photos on my camera. I wonder what next week will bring.

25 comments

  1. As long as it isn’t dangerous, I’m happy for you. Snow is important! It seems like it’s the lightweight kind that’s easier to clean up.

  2. That beard is amazing, I think we could all do with one as a face warmer this week. It sounds like you have all stayed cosy at home this week, there’s much else for it is there with the snow and freezing wind. Poor blue and her snowy paws. Hope you have a lovely weekend x

    1. I tried the beard on and it is lovely and warm. Blue loves being out in he snow, but feels it when she comes in. Looks quite sorry for herself.

  3. I love that costume, I spotted it on Instagram. Yes, the cold seems to have taken over most of our weeks. It is so bitterly cold and we have a snow day here today, in fact it’s snowing again now. Come on spring! Thanks for sharing with #WotW x

    1. I quite like a really cold spell. Feels like a proper winter, but I am ready for spring now. Warmth on my back again.

  4. Gandalf looks amazing, it’s a shame that he had to miss out on school. I’ve been watching the snow being blown off the roofs too. Our snow is very much like yours but it’s so, so cold.
    #wotw

  5. Wow the galdoff outfit looks amazing, it must be a bit guttering to not show it off. Gorgeous photos of the snow X #wotw

  6. I love the Gandalf costume Cheryl! 😀 How creative. We’ve had quite a bit of the white stuff here too and the cold winds really cut into you.
    I have just got to say, your house is beautiful. I LOVE the colour of your door and window frames.

    Thanks so much for sharing with #MMBC. Have a lovely weekend x

    1. Ours is starting to melt now. Glad we had a decent amount this year. Feels like winter. He loves his costume. Just so much fun to make.

  7. Looks like you have been busy! Love the costume. World Book Day was cancelled in my son’s school too but he did enjoy wearing his costume even if its just a short period of time. #wotw

  8. It sounds like you have a good attitude with regards to the snow, and prepared well. Wishing you a wonderful week ahead #WotW

  9. Oh wow I love the costume it is amazing you are so clever, this snow has been harsh hasn’t it, we were totally snowed in for 2 days which was fab Joe spent hours out sledging and dragging us for long walks, although poor Toby got lost in a few drifts which he didnt like, we had to drag him out a few times, and he really didnt like the snow balls on his legs x

    1. Thank you Sarah. We had so much fun making it. You sound like you had fun in the snow. It certainly was a great time for sledging and walks. Poor Toby. I do feel for him.

  10. The birds certainly struggle at this time of year. Like you I hope it found enough to survive on. What a fantastic costume. I bet he was warm underneath it all. #WotW

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