Letting it slip

With so much time to spare I've been reading over our 'gap year' blog and enjoyed it so much it seems such a shame to stop, so here goes.....

Outside it is bitterly cold and The Green is encrusted with icy nuggets but the gritters have been out early and the roads are clear with their orange stain. The snow is here in Richmond still and I have used the snowman and child I fashioned in our back yard to gauge how cold it is each day. I have looked at him through the kitchen door since Saturday when he was at his best standing proudly with his boot button eyes (olives standing in for coal!) and carrot nose and buttons. Six days later and he is still there with his contorted body and grotesque child at his side together with his nose and buttons!

Inside, the bulb collection I bought to replace the cyclamen killed by the previous icy spell, have all flowered and I get to breakfast with the somewhat surreal image of Narcissus, Iris and dwarf tulips smiling at me from their plastic basket - Spring will come!

On one of my forays to the numerous charity shops I bought the most hideous plate - much to the delight of the shop assistant who had a bet on to who would buy such a horrible thing - and am undecided who will be the recipient of my prize (I think Carys and Lydia will fight for it so maybe I should give it to Jack!).