SLIP SLIDIN' AWAY!

After twenty four hours of torrential rain the lane was like a river and the surrounding fields sodden,our two cats had spent yesterday starring forlornly out of the windows at the seemingly endless downpour,or fast asleep before the fire; and so did I:

During the night the rain ceased, the sky cleared and we were visited by the sharpest frost so far this winter. At around three in the morning I was pottering around making coffee and as I waited for the water to heat I opened the window for a breath of air ,the garden looked like fairyland. Bright moonlight on the heavily frosted lawn filled the garden with sparkles and gave the roofs of nearby houses the appearance of having been iced like Christmas cakes.

Spell bound I watched for so long that by the time I came to my senses I was pretty near to frozen stiff so I quickly donned a thick dressing gown and a pair of fleecy sock before returning to bed to drink my coffee.

By morning it was evident that the freezing weather had wrought other changes, the flooded lane had become an ice rink as the sound of screeching brakes, the odd bang and the more than occasional burst of swearing gave testament.

I built up the library fire to am accompaniment of very Un- Christian language from members of the congregation on their unsteady way up the lane to early Sunday service and a couple of drivers who had slid in to each other at the turning gave a spirited display of even fouler language, I listened with amusement but learned nothing new I am sorry to say!!

I treated the boys to home made blueberry muffins for breakfast ( their favoured morning meal just now) there is something special about the flavour of hot blueberries and melting butter. I made two dozen, only six remained by the time we had finished our meal.

My son spent the afternoon writing,he really has the bit between his teeth at the moment and is working flat out,Pa retired to his den where ,I suspect he spent the afternoon drawing up plans for his latest model railway project.

Having decided upon home made sausages, colchannon, apple sauce and onion gravy for dinner I set about making the sausages early as they need time to chill before cooking, after which I trawled e Bay in search of bargains found none and ended up playing solitaire against the clock!

It is so nice to be able to laze about now and then and although I dare say I could have found something constructive to do I was in “can't be asked mode” and spent quite a long time watching the birds busy at the feeding stations set up in the gardens around the house. By the end of the afternoon I was totally relaxed and very happy indeed.

The traffic continued unabated throughout the day with pedestrians sliding the length of the sloping lane on their backsides and heaping abuse on those who had managed to remain on their feet and were inclined to laugh at the plight of those less fortunate.

From time to time a car or van would slide sideways down the lane to the detriment of our hedge and the wall opposite, where were the gritting lorries? Your guess is as good as mine!

As daylight faded it became even colder and the existing ice, which had hardly melted at all became glassier than ever, I envisage much trouble in the morning as folks head off to work if nothing is done overnight.

We sprinkled ashes from the stove on our icy drive in preparation for tomorrow morning when we are expecting a delivery of logs. I hope the driver realises how slippery the lane is as he could well end up sliding into the next parish if he hits he brakes too hard!!!

In readiness for another cold night we have stoked up the stove, furnished ourselves with hot water bottles and ensured that an extra cover is on hand at the foot of each bed should it be required.

I love the feeling of snuggling up in bed with my hottie in cold weather and am looking forward to having my cat for company as she enjoys the hot water bottle every bit as much as I.

So now it off to the bathroom for a hot shower, a mug of cocoa and then it's me for my bed....bliss.

Keep snug every one, good night and God bless .