And More Snow

It was snowing steadily again on Sunday morning as I came home from my three nights in Bankeryd. Heart in mouth as usual driving on the ice, but no drama. I am nervous of the hill where I got stuck, but keeping my speed steady and in broad daylight, I did it no problem. I swung Darwin into the carport and tramped through the fresh snow up the paths I had cleared, to my front door. They will need clearing again tomorrow.

As it got dark it looks as though I have a fresh 30 - 40cm. Please let it stop before it buries me. Nothing to be done tonight except cook my Lamb Ragout and Aubergine. With a grating of nutmeg on top and the dish well matured, this is pretty close to Moussaka. Very comforting on a cold winters night. While I was eating I heard the very reassuring sound of the farmer with the snow plough. The road is clear and the snow has stopped. With luck the job tomorrow is to dig Darwin out and link my place to the cleared road. 2.5 hours hard labour should do it.

Less than I thought. Maybe another 12cm. It mounts up. The garden between the grill place and guest cabin is half a metre deep now. The exercise is warming. What doesn't kill me, makes me stronger, and all of that old gough.

It's happened before. The weather system moved away and nighttime temperatures got up to an unbelievable 4C. By afternoon we have a serious thaw in progress. The roads are hell with slush and ice, but it's an improving picture. With plus temperatures and no snow to clear, I decided to use my energy in my workshop. 1st up was a settle to sit the cask of Ale on for New Year. Are you keeping up? Exciting stuff. Then sadly with the end of the road inevitable for Elsa in the Spring, I put some effort into smartening her up. I should do this before winterising her anyway. Actually, winterising is what I did.

On the way back to the house an ornamental tree that is broken from the weight of snow caught my attention. With so much energy to spare I took it down. It's a ten footer and removing the debris exhausted me. There are times when an afternoon is not only right, but inevitable. The Christmas lights woke me when the timer brought them on.

Advent is OK this year. If it wasn't only Tuesday I'd heat up a pan of glögg. I'll save the steaming boozy stuff for a colder day.