Come Out, Come Out.............

Where is Spring? I got so excited about it when the snow went away at the beginning of the year, but I can’t seem to find it. Is it under the bed…no, not there, is it in the hallway (where everything always seems to get left)….no, I’ve had a look and it isn’t there either…has it been in my pocket all along? No, Spring isn’t anywhere.
Last weekend there was a big snow again. We headed out on Sunday morning in a blizzard, but by the time TH came out of Church it was all melted away. I can’t wait for little Daisy Dog to get out into the sunshine like she used to do. She just sits up at the slabbed area looking out onto the hills, I’m sure she’s thinking what I’m thinking!

The Snow Outside

What an exciting couple of days of snow.  It started here on Sunday and didn’t stop in our neck of the woods until yesterday…there has been no snow since so I think it is just going away slowly now.  There are patches of grass in the garden, mostly around the shrubs and trees, but even more exciting than that is the fact that I can see little shoots of plants coming up!  This house was in an awful state when we moved here and the garden was so neglected in general that I didn’t believe I’d have any pleasant surprises.  How wrong can I be?  It’s wonderful and that bout of snow didn’t put me off my spring time prep!

Snow Time at Home



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More snow fell this weekend.  Sometimes it feels as if Spring will never come.  I love the peace that the snow does bring and it always makes me so happy to see Daisy playing in the garden.
At least I have an excuse for why I am not digging in the garden!

Snowy Weekends and Kitchen Plans

The radio this morning told me that more snow was coming, well actually, that “blizzards are to batter the North East.” We were also told to phone in when we saw the first flakes, and were reminded that the other end of the country has a red warning. I wanted to reply that yes snow can be disruptive, it can be dangerous, and it can be a pest, but we are not children that need to be told to wear our mittens, and not go out at play time. Surely this is not the way it has always been? Surely people actually kept calm and carried on instead of screeching it at the top of their voices from their car as they over take you on a bend in a snow storm? “Oh dear, the roads are bad, I must rush home as fast as I can to be safe!!”
This weekend I intend to be inside, safe and warm. I will toast crumpets and keep toasty. I will read specific chapters of books that contain any reference to snow. I have already started to re-read The Wind in the Willows, one of my favourite books, even if it is aimed at little ones.


TH is making a loaf and we will gorge on soup and warm bread this weekend. I would love to get into the kitchen and start the baking I always promise myself I will make time for. I would like to pull all of the things I need to make marmalade together and use the kitchen I fell in love with when we first saw the property. The garden needs work, but it will be hidden in a whirl of flakes, and I don’t believe you can be cross with a warm tummy full of good things.

The Snow, The Snow

Thick luscious flakes slowly float down onto the car, the garden and the trees in the field. The hills just beyond the garden fence have disappeared behind a screen of snow.

The journey to work is slow and cautious. The country roads are kind to us and we manoeuvre our way through them.

Once I’m in work I find that the big road into work has tail backs with people waiting over two hours to move less than a mile up a treacherous hill. That’s the way we need to go home…

At work I am constantly distracted by fakes falling on the Georgian sash window panes. I look onto a building made with solid granite, sturdy and strong, with rock that never changes. Its turrets are now softened by the dusting. I can see down the hill at work to the other side of town, everything is soft and beautiful. Brighter and more serine, it is impossible to rush in the snow.

I stare out of the window and speak consistently of the snowfall until I am told that I must head home. Worries have been voiced since the break of dawn that we will all be trapped in cars on the roadside-it has never come to this and doubt it will, but the thoughts of everyone are already at their fireside.

The Husband comes to collect me and we trundle through town, down the carriage-way and onto the country paths which lead us home. As soon as our boots hit the drive we are home.

We are home and can put the kettle on, we are home and light a fire, we set the table, we eat our tea and we talk. We are home, and this is ours and we had better make the best of it. It is cold outside and I know how lucky we are to be here.

Winter Time

Hello winter, hello frost and smoky chimneys. Hello low suns and clear skies, winter fêtes and crnchy ground. The leaves from autumn yet to be cleared are no longer damp and brown. They are white; everything is tinged with brilliant diamonds with a million facets. The earth does not smelly musky. The air stings my nose and what little I can sense is logs and coal.

Ive got cabin fever!

Snow is falling….all around. Ok, its maybe not a prolific quote, its maybe not showing that I'm on the cusp of a zeitgeist, but by eck it IS snowing, and very heavily at that.


Giant flakes. In the distance it looks heavy and yet when they throw themselves upon the window pane they move slowly, they quiver thinking of their fate on the ground….will they make a snowman by an excited child? I haven’t seen many snowmen so far…where are the snowman building children? (I do hope they’re not playing with a games console!) I'm sure they are just snuggled up reading a book!

Stay safe everyone…its not really that important the vast majority of us get out. Think about it and then leave three hours early!! JUST STAY SAFE!
x

Is there life out there?

The snow has continued to fall and we’ve been making the most of our cosy snuggled down long weekend. The snow has been on for about a week now, but only recently has it been making a bit of a nuisance of itself! The big thaw didn’t get rid of most of it, so although the snow is gorgeous, it’s the black ice under it that’s been causing most of the difficulties. We were meant to be heading out to a carol concert last Wednesday, but what with the snow and road closures we decided not to attempt to stay in town any later than we had to.


On Thursday I headed out to a late shift at work, but had to get The Husband to collect me, a journey that normally takes half an hour took over two and let me tell you I was terrified. Two lorries jack knifed and caused a massive traffic jam on the only road north.

Friday was a snow day for us both and on Saturday we didn’t bother to head out to my work party. We could have gone round to a friend’s party in the village, but we’d been treading through the snow all day in town, and while taking Daisy out for her walks that we were exhausted. The Husbands friend didn’t make it out of his part of town, so I took a rather extended nap on the sofa whilst The Husband watched some films. Yup, it’s a real rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle we’ve got here!

We don’t know what’s going to happen over the next week, we don’t know if we’re getting out, but I know i’ve got a freezer full of food, a pantry full of tins, and several tins full of biscuits. I hope you’re all heading in the right direction, getting what you want done, and doing what makes you happy.

In the lane, snow is glistening

It is snowing very heavily here in Aberdeenshire, so much so that the roads around us are closed off, and there is nobody moving in or out of the village…and do you know what that means? SNOW DAY…..and not any normal snow day…THE FIRST SNOW DAY THAT I’VE EVER HAD WITH THE HUSBAND…EVER!

When we lived in the Burbs we never had snow days, I’d had a couple because I couldn’t venture into the country side where I work at the library, but The Husband never had any as he lived literally five minutes from work.
So here we are, snowed in and kept safe and snugly in our own little home. Puppy by the fire? Check! The Husband in the warmest seat by the fire? Check! Me pottering around the house? Check! What a great day this is turning into, I’ve got Yankee Candle Christmas Eve glowing out from under its little lamp sending the sweetest scents into the room and I’ve not got a care in the world…and so what if I did? I mean, nobody is going anywhere, nothing can get done anyway. You’ve got no hope but to not have a care in the world? I love it!

Radio 2 playing, me humming away and getting the house ready for the weekend’s visitor, that is if they can even make it. There is a big party in the village this weekend. The same weekend as I was supposed to be heading to my work party. Seeing as the work party is out, I will be able to head to the village one-hoorah!

So for now, excuse me, I will wonder from room to room. I will be doing nothing in particular, I will be fussing over paper chains, attempting to get started on some baking, and adding bows and ribbons to things already laden with them. Have yourself a merry little weekend, its getting awfully close!!

Only one thing I want to do

When the snow starts there is only one thing I want to do, and that's stay inside reading and warm.  I want to wear my Pj's, dressing gown, bed socks, hair pulled back, no make-up...(aren't i a catch?), and read in a quiet corner.  If i had the sense of smell I'd want my home to be filled with Christmas spices, but as it is when i do have a horrible sneezing fit and catch my breath i can only smell menthol and lemsip!  Poor Daisy Dog has hardly been out on a long walk, she has such awfully short legs, but all the same!!

Anyway, when i do get a moment to curl up and read, with all the blankets over me, i like to read The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe when it is cold and snowy outside.  This book, and all of the film and T.V. adaptations which have followed are an integral part of Christmas for me.  The old, old BBC version gets brought out and watched by the fire, just like when i was very small.  The newer film version also gets taken out of the DVD box and played, on repeat as i wonder around our home, catching some scenes, missing others.  The fact that it is merely there is enough for me.  The fact that it is a constant is quite enough.

x

Music from a white Christmas..well it is snowing!

Where it's snowing

All winter through 

That's where I want to be

 Snowball throwing

That's what I'll do  

How I'm longing to ski 

Through the snow-oh-oh-oh-oh

Those glist'ning houses that seem to be built of snow 

 I had so much fun putting pictures with songs i decided to do it again today!

Daisy Dog loves the snow! 

 I put her in the back garden while i went about taking some pictures out front.

Some green still exists. 

But not much! 

Up and down the street only a few people venture out...this is the main street!!

Oh the weather outside is frightful!

Oh the weather outside is frightful,

But the fire is so delightful, 

And since we've no place to go,

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! 

It doesn't show signs of stopping, 

 And I've bought some corn for popping,

 The lights are turned way down low,

 Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

When we finally kiss goodnight,

How I'll hate going out in the storm!

But if you'll really hold me tight,

All the way home I'll be warm.

The fire is slowly dying,

And, my dear, we're still good-bying,

But as long as you love me so,

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Stay safe and warm this gloriously wintry day.

First Snow of Winter!

Okay, these were taken five minutes ago from the window...as you can see from the reflection!

I can't say its the first snow of the year, it stopped snowing here in May!

But it is the first snow we've seen in this house!

Really more hale than snow....but white all soft all the same

Poor neglected back garden!

Oooh am i that fairy of a white light in the window....ooops, just the flash!!

It is so cold!

Oh my goodness, how can it still be this cold? Snow covers the ground, little spikes of ice hang and glisten from roof-tops and trees.

We have had snow up here from before Christmas, and it just keeps coming.  Crunching under foot and causing havoc for poor Daisy-who keeps tripping up on frozen foot prints.

The lovely husband and I popped out to Elgin and Huntly for his work. I really just sat in the car and waited for him to drive away before revealing that the dog and I were planning to come along. We set off happily only to find that one of the tyres had burst and we had to put a new one on. I tried to help as much as possible, but I’m never really that good at these things.  While he was at his meeting Daisy and I had a walk around the park.  The poor ducks don't have their pond any more.

Daisy Dog and I had a wonderful time wondering around Elgin in the snow. 

We then went off to get some food before travelling to Huntly where I managed to have a peek into some charity shops!!  I didn't buy a thing as i had some chores to do.  I went in to the bank and had to tie the dog up outside quickly.  One of the wonderful women in the bank went and took her inside though.  She ran around and even got an appointment with the Manager, who was more than happy to see her!!

It’s managed to make me so tired, just sitting in the car being driven around and having leisurely walks.  I dont think i could be as healthy as this Post Man. 

Snowy Days Again

We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand... and melting like a snowflake. Let us use it before it is too late.
Marie Beyon Ray

Wow, the snow has travelled up north at last, and boy is it heavy!!

Squeals of delight filled the house first thing this morning when my beloved opened the curtains and shouted for me. I was so excited!!! After seeing all of the lovely posts about snow, I felt incredibly left out, and so I’m very happy to report about the snow from my neck of the woods!!!

Mark left the house in a great big coat this morning all ready for the day ahead while I had an extra big pot of tea and got ready for the house to be left quiet and still for most of the day so I could give the puppy Daisy an extra long walk. She was ever so excited when she popped her head out of the door, and she proceeded to pull me along the path until we got to the trees and she was eventually let off of her lead in the park.

We walked all around the park viewing the snowy feilds and tree's beautifully highlighted with all of the snow.  The paths were very empty and we hardly passed anybody else.  You can tell I'm a dog walker when i can proudly say that I venture outside in the snow!

It was soup weather-thats for sure, and so when I got home it was the first thing I got ready for Marks tea. It is so tiring walking through snow, so Daisy got a warm bath, a blow dry and went straight to bed!!! I nearly followed suit but lit lots of candles, and looked out lots of cosy blankets. I was very happy when Mark got home safely, as I always worry about the roads, and the crazy drivers. 

Feeling ever so poorly

The whole country seems to be beside themselves with excitement caused by all of the lovely snow.... I am however snuggled up in bed on the most awful of days.

It is ever so rainy, and blustery, so Daisy and I are wrapped under two duvets and settled upon a mountain of soft pillows!!! Mark has been feeling terrible, as I'm ill and there doesn't seem to be a thing he can do. The poor thing has been hurrying around with bowls of soup, and little slices of some cake I made before the weekend, and the start of this dreadful cold.

I have to admit, I have quite liked that we've been curled up while the wind is howling outside, but I do wish Mark wouldn't worry! I was up all night long, the night before last, and my other half didn't get five minutes sleep. I think that his boss understands though, as Mark popped home in between meetings with some chocolate buttons his boss got for me!!! I knew those cupcakes I made for everyone in the office would be a good idea.

However, while my own, ever-so-handsome, nurse has been out at his nine to five, I did get quite a lot of sleep and even managed to squeeze in two of my favourite films. Mark put them beside the television for me, so I wouldn't even have to venture as far as the living room for the DVD’s. So the afternoon was spent with Mary Poppins and my friends from The Holiday. Oooh I do love that film, and would simply love to have a home like Iris. It is so extremely beautiful.

I have been feeling so awful about being home and not doing anything, so I made an extra yummy roast chicken dinner for Mark coming home. I also think it set me up for feeling better, as I adore the smell of the roast from my kitchen. I don't think there is anything better.

Anyway, for now I think I will return to a good book, perhaps that copy of Pride and Prejudice we found in the second hand book shop in Oban......then I can dream lovely dreams with Mark as a kind Mr Bingley looking after the eldest Miss Bennet.