Well, dear souls, what a hectic month January has been. Hither and thither we have dashed, professional toil, family matters and forward planning. Why 'tas been fair exhausting. The weather has utilised its full armoury of winter conditions with hail, ice, crisp hoar frosts and snow - deep billowing, fluffy snow that delights the children but brings forth a collective groan from those amongst us bound once more for professional toil. Such is life, as the saying goes. One has become quite accustomed to sending the male guardian toil bound with provisions for a stay away should he not be able to return home due to the inclement weather. The onset of weather that comes with a national alert sees the bag checked and ready, with sleeping bag, fresh clothes and enough provisions should the journey be interrupted or stalled along the way, such as the poor travellers attempting to traverse Bodmin Moor last evening during the snow storms. Forarmed is forewarned as the saying goes, and so much safer to boot. One really should not venture forth in such conditions without a well stocked carriage, most definitely not.
Whilst we have been experiencing our bleak mid winter conditions, the antipodeans are enjoying a "balmy" 28 degrees after sun down. I'm sorry but one's British sensibilities really cannot comprehend such temperatures at the time of a winter onslaught in Blighty. Just not cricket chaps, now is it. Why, what on earth would one do in one's three layers of woollen garments in such heat, incomprehensible my dears, incomprehensible.
It has to be said, however, that 'tis the one time of year when one feels at liberty to hunker down, fire ablaze, a cup of something warm and relaxing at one's fingertips, to enjoy a jolly good book, full in the knowledge that we are safe and sound in our little home, warm and snug against the onslaught. Absolute bliss. The wind may be howling, the snow swirling, but one can lose oneself in the pages of a jolly good book without the fear of guilt of jobs to be done. Oh, the joy of a well penned book. Many a cold winters night has been spent thus. I do so love a good book, do you?
