9.01.2026 Drifting.

  ~?~

  Friday 9th 29F/-2C. Heavily overcast and gales. Drifting expected.  Police warning against poor road conditions. 59F/15C in the room.

 Up at 7.45 after dozing for ages. 

 8.45. I have just been across the yard to dump the ashes from the stove. There were snowdrifts everywhere. Probaby up to 20cm or 8" deep in places. I keep a short pair of wellies inside the back door to manage such eventualities. Eye wateringly cold in the wind. I have now lit the stove with the last of the beech kindling. I shall have to collect more from the container. 

 9.00 Stove going well. I can now add bigger logs and bring in some more. Their moisture content is highly variable. I will definitely go for a walk today. 

 9.45 Back from my walk. More of an amble really. A sickly yellow sun struggled to penetrate the clouds. I couldn't walk off my aching lower back. Fieldfares, Redwings and sparrows were noisy in the overhead trees. The roads were almost clear. Largely thanks to a lorry fitted with a snow plough blade. It went both ways while I was out there. 

 One spot which may cause problems is where the farmer has removed the hedge. The open prairie was smoking wind blown snow. This was on a steep hill leading to a sharp, blind bend. The snow was deepest where vehicles have to brake for the corner. More extended where they have to climb from a low cornering speed. Many drivers overshoot on this corner regardless of road conditions. I was taking to the back of the deep snow on the verges with each passing vehicle. Better they can maintain their course on the cleared traffic lanes without going around me. 

 Another day on the computer. Occasional clouds of snow were being blown off the roof. Though I was largely unaware of the gales. It has been a struggle to get the house warm today. Always the problem with wind and cold. The wind drops overnight. There may even be some sunshine tomorrow.

 Dinner was using up the eggs again. Two poached eggs on toast. 

  

 

  ~?~