I Love Snow

Snow was not a regular feature of my childhood. Over the past four years we've received a decent amount in England, more than I ever knew when I was younger. Nowadays the snow sometimes lasts for more than a day (imagine that!), so I do get pretty excited about it.

It started snowing where I live on Friday morning, after I had left for work. About mid-morning I decided it would be sensible to relocate to the office that is near to where I live, as public transport frequently becomes disrupted by snow and ice in this country. I sat back on the train, admiring the scenery as it whizzed past, the Downs already dusted in an icing sugar coating.

Back in my hometown the snow was falling heavily, and I enjoyed the chilly walk through it to the office. I logged onto a spare computer by the window where I could steal the occasional glance at the dancing flakes as they continued to twirl and fall from the sky.

By the time I reached home there were several centimetres on the ground. It eventually stopped later that evening. There was no more snow on Saturday, although as the temperature didn't get above freezing so the snow that had settled from the previous day didn't melt. It was a day for staying in, keeping warm, and baking banoffee muffins.

On Sunday we woke to heavier snow falling from the sky. It continued all day, and this time we took the opportunity to go for a wander and enjoy the magic while it lasted.

Snowy train tracks

Through the castle's barbican gate

Traipsing in the snow, drinking hot chocolate, and stopping to admire the views was a welcome boost to my spirit.

I went to work as normal today. There is still plenty of snow around, although it's retreating to the less beautiful, more slushy stage. I sigh because I'm sad to see it go, even though I know it's for the best. This country is not known for its ability to run normally in snowy and icy weather. But I love it. I love the magic and the beauty it brings to this otherwise dull month. I look forward to the next time, whenever that may be.

Photos my own.

Er...Hi 2013...

So far I don't have much to say about 2013. I mean, we welcomed in the New Year in a fun way - leaping into it, Danish style, in the middle of a masquerade ball themed wedding reception - probably the best way I've ever started a new year.

New Years Day was beautiful with the sun shining brightly for the first time in a fortnight. That's not a bad way to start at all.

However, the drudgery of the weekly work routine has set in all too quickly, my husband is working too many night shifts for my liking, and it's, you know, January. BLAH.

A lot of people have been writing inspiring and thought-provoking blog posts about their hopes and dreams for 2013, their New Year's Resolutions, their fresh starts. I definitely welcomed 2013 much more happily than I have welcomed in any other year for some time, but still not with the same gusto as many others appear to have done.

I anticipated that my enthusiasm would disappear within a couple of days, so it's not much of a shock that I feel the way I do now. Flat and grey and tired and bored and apathetic.

Having said that, I am pleased with myself that I am soldiering on. That I am taking the time to drink in the good stuff, and to make plans, and to keep my brain occupied. But it is taking a lot of effort. Every minute of every day I am having to make a conscious decision to stay strong and face the winter. I don't want to. I would rather stay in bed. But I am trying, and am so far succeeding. I will keep going.

I don't have resolutions. I don't have any particular hopes and dreams, at least not any that I feel comfortable sharing on the interwebs. I am making a daily effort to keep at the things that will make life a little better in the long run. I don't like it because it is hard work. I do like that I am not alone in my hard work. And that is how I still soldier on.