Winter Whirlwind

Blimey what a week. I can't believe we're at Sunday afternoon again so quickly. Where did last week go? It started off for us with some brilliant news; my second nephew, little Charlie, arrived safe and sound and right on cue so there has been much visiting, cooing and baby talk around these parts let me tell you and pretty fantastic it is too.

Last Sunday was the birthday party for one our boys' closest friends. Since they've known each other we've become really firm friends with his mum and dad and really enjoy getting out and about with them and having many a good old laugh. One of their traditions is to have an outdoor party, despite their chap's birthday being in deepest January. Every year they plan a walk around the valley, a different route each time, and all his friends come along for an afternoon of fresh air, adventure and discovery.

It's such a brilliant afternoon and somehow the cold and chill adds to the whole event. This year we were walking around the old Victorian waterworks down the valley that were restored long ago to leave pools, water meadows and woodlands behind. We ventured along the canal too which even with 10 adults to chaperone 11 kids was a bit hair raising at times, but there were no splashes or incidents and we had a pretty marvellous time with a picnic lunch and hot chocolates at the pub playground the round things off.

Mind you it was absolutely freezing! The kids never noticed once but it was definitely one of those afternoons where you have to keep moving along or you just might freeze to the spot.

All this bunch needed was a stick and some ice on a marshy pond to keep them happy though.

I do love this time of year and find the bleached stems, stark branches and misty hollows quite amazing. You can see so much bleak beauty in the different textures and washed out colours all about.

And then the week got colder again, the air dry and still. Until yesterday when the wind got up and the clouds came down. The first flakes fell around lunchtime here and were that curious, powdery type that you think will never amount to much and then you turn back and the next time you look out of the window the trees are covered, the lawn has gone and you can't see the hills anymore.

All afternoon and evening it fell so we cancelled plans and stayed home to play and cook. By the boys' bedtime the radio brought news that the city roads had ground to a halt (as usual), cars were being abandoned and the football crowds were stuck at the stadium. I was so glad to be home ringing out soggy trousers, gloves and coats and getting ready for bed in our little house, covered in a deep blanket of snow.

Today we're warming up under dripping rooves and trees. Woody's igloo is holding it's own but the roads are clear again and it looks like we'll be back to normal in the morning. Fun while it lasted though.

P.S. Thank you ever so much for all the lovely comments on my scribbling! They made me smile so much and blush rather too. Bless you and thanks again.xxx