Overnight, the snow disappeared, leaving only a few traces where it had been piled high. Todays twin motifs were rain and inappropriate driving techniques. I lost count of the number of people who seemed to ignore me as they turned across me or pushed in front of me. It would have been irritating on any day, but on a wet day with the faint possibility of a little remaining ice, it seemed to me like a day requiring more care rather than less. It ws much the same tonight. I can only guess that the fate of the Western world hinged on some of these people getting home, or that they are frightfully important and need that piece of road desperately.

Snowdrops at Ruddington

Alternatively I might be tempted to suggest that world is full of (Julia has suggested letting you pick your own word here as the one I wanted to use is, she feels, a little strong for family viewing).

It’s been quite  good day as Julia let me have two of my Christmas presents early. They are long-bodied, long sleeved thermal vests/T shirts. As a result there re no drafts around the middle regions and I have been nice and warm at work today despite sitting in  bit of a wind tunnel.

This is the bit I like about winter, being warm. And inside.

Grape Hyacinths

Next year I intend hibernating. I will have no job, a bungalow and the ability to shop on the internet. I can shut the door on 1st December and not go out again until April. This will also allow me to be reclusive. Warm, with an endless supply of tinned food and daytime TV and no need to talk to anyone apart from Julia – sounds good to me.

The header picture reminds me that Friday night’s frost killed the last marigold and finished the fuchsia off – now I must look forward to snowdrops and grape hyacinths.

Irises at Wilford