First snow ...

Well that was a change! Gales, yes; rain, yes - but cold? No, it's been hideously, mockingly mild so far. Not any more. Around midday today there was a clear spell, the sun shone, we could see further than the other side of the road - and there it was. The first snow on the hills to the north. Apparently some of the hills behind us had snow too, though we can only see the nearer (and lower) slopes from our house.

It didn't last. By afternoon we were once more in the gloom of Mordor, complete with lightning and a rumble or two of thunder. And the rain? Well, yes - it's back too; not constantly, but with a wild enthusiasm. It's windy again too. 

Things can only get more trying. Watch this space ...