Not quite so bleak

Managed to break away from suburban snowy stranglehold and make it down to the workplace with my pal, where we were greeted with a round of applause and a treacle scone.

Conditions diminished badly in the afternoon, with the snow piling high on the beach and the outlook grim, so ran away mid afternoon for fear of having to book into a Travelodge. Things brightened up around Princes Street however, and we enjoyed a lovely stroll around the markets while managing to avoid the gluhwein.

I've knocked all the icicles off the gutters, nearly taking my eye out in the process, shovelled the steps for the umpteenth time and am now settled with a fine red.

Cosy.