Thursday 15 January 2015

Sunshine.

After yesterday's snow (see my new header) it has all gone during the heavy rainstorm overnight and the world is bright and clean.   The sun is shining and there is a sharp, cold breeze.   There were gales overnight and during the evening something fell down the chimney into the 'shelf' of our wood burner.   I suspect a piece of the chimney has come off but the farmer just says. 'not to worry' (one of his standard replies), so I am trying not to.   Another howling gale is forecast within forty eight hours.

We are lucky in that our farmhouse faces due South, so as long as there is sunshine our house warms up beautifully during the day.   It is also very light because of our large bay windows.

The farmer has just passed the hall window with two bales of silage on his tractor to refill the hay racks for the sheep.   Once they got used to the idea they attacked the silage with gusto apparently and are already ready for more.   Everything eats more in this bitterly cold weather (including humans - this is when the inches go onto the waistline).

This afternoon I shall drive myself into town in the new car.   I must take the bull by the horns and get into it and drive it without the farmer by my side for 'comfort'.   When I look back to my teaching days and the long distances I drove (into London for courses - driving all the way from Wolverhampton, there and back in a day) I can't imagine how I have become so soft.   It is now so long since I drove on the motorway (there are few up here) that I would no longer feel safe.  It was comforting to read the replies yesterday when almost everyone said they would not drive when their partner was in the car because he would suggest they were in the wrong position on the road/ in the wrong gear/driving too slow/fast.  Seems I am not alone.

Sausage and mash with onion gravy, followed by baked apples, is on the menu for lunch - so I must get it ready.   Keep warm.

14 comments:

Heather said...

Keep the hatches battened down! We haven't had snow yet, but plenty of heavy rain and very strong winds. I am going shopping shortly so it's going to be the long raincoat today - it's pouring as I write this.
Your lunch sounds delicious - must add sausages to the shopping list.

thelma said...

Drive safely ;)

Gwil W said...

Don't forget your snow chains.

Gerry Snape said...

I know it means that it's cold...but what a great header Pat!

The Broad said...

It looks so 'deep and crisp and even', doesn't it? Right now outside my window it is grey and howling and dusk. I don't like driving on motorways either. In fact I don't drive in the UK as it terrifies me! The back roads of northwestern Connecticut are a perfect fit for me! But lucky you with a new car ... Enjoy!

Maureen @ Josephina Ballerina said...

Lovin' the header. What's with all the gales you guys are getting up there? Yikes. We have leftover piles of now from two weeks ago despite having had a couple of all day rains. Husband says a snowstorm is forecast for Sunday night.
I used to be a visiting nurse. Drove all over creation at all times of day or night on all kinds of roads. When I became an acupuncturist 17 years ago, people came to me. I got out of the habit of driving. I had to force myself to drive the interstates or lose the skill. I go the speed limit and avoid weaving in and out. Zen driving.
Was just wondering myself why I crave carbohydrates in the winter. Eight extra pounds gained over the holidays! Off damn pounds!
:) m & jb (who says if I eat raw chicken like she does, I wouldn't have gained weight. saucy cat.)

angryparsnip said...

I love the new header photo.
Wonderful.
Be careful if the roads get icy, they are the worst.

cheers, parsnip

Joanne Noragon said...

As my friend and I say, don't lose your "edge." Go drive that car.

Pondside said...

By now I'm sure that you are back from your car trip. Good for you!!! Keep at it and you will always be able to do it - whatever 'it' is!

The Weaver of Grass said...

Thanks everyone. Still chilly with long snow showers.

Hildred said...

Love you header |Pat, - strong memories of our shepherd days. I am with you in driving anxieties - I only drive around the village, and now that I have reached that age when Driving Officials feel one should not be on the road at all without a driving test in the city I am very aware I may have to give up my licence, and not happy about it.

Hope your snowdrops soon enjoy sunshine again....

Em Parkinson said...

I love your new header! Baked apples have gone out of fashion I think, which is a real shame. SO delicious.

Unknown said...

Whoa! That's one tough terrain right there. Time to stomp and lay your claim on it with that new ride you have scored for yourself. It's always a new car's time to shine in situations like that, so go and move forward with it. Congratulations on your new purchase! I wish you all the best!

Micheal Miller @ Butler Kia of Fishers

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