~ Weather Wise ~ A Weather Diary

2012-03-09T18:00:00.000Z

It's not rain per se. It's saturated air that turns the verenda tiles into an ice rink and darkens the tyres of the car to a dust-free black.
The dogs have already taken themselves to lie on my bed. It saves on preparing hot water bottles. The foster dog is lying friendless in his basket. He does have the benefit of being near the log-fire.
I am at the dining table writing - it is silent except for the odd crackle of burning wood and the sound of a keyboard being pummellled into submission.

5th March ~ Monday

2012-03-05T16:20:00.001Z

Wow is it ever windy today. We are under a weather advisory for strong winds and I hope that it doesn't blow down any large tree branches! It is supposed to dip below freezing tonight too with a chance at snow flurries. So much for Spring!

4th March

2012-03-04T17:36:00.000Z

I was worried about my friend, Kelly, in Ohio as I'd heard about the Tornadoes ripping through the US - she assures me she is fine, but:

"The tornados have hit southern Ohio and we're at the northern tip just a few miles from Lake Erie so we're ok - we're just getting hit with snow at the moment. Here's a term for your weather journal - lake effect snow. Northern Ohio is one of only a few places in the world that have this weather phenomenon that, although it's not bitterly cold, dumps lots of snow very quickly in it's wake. I live maybe three miles from the Lake Erie shoreline so we get hit pretty good throughout the winter."

Snow squall coming in over Lake Erie

The Lighthouse, Cleveland, Ohio

Lighthouse Ice Castle

Thanks Kelly, glad you are OK.

(images from Google search "Images Lake Erie Snow"

2012-03-04T11:28:00.000Z

You wouldn't know it had rained. Ground is hard and dry again but the spring flowers are pushing their way through and carpeting the hillside. The lavender is out in full force and the orchids will not be far behind. I love the wild orchids, not long now! Walks are accompanied to the sound of birdsong and the buzz of bees - absolutely wonderful. I am truly blessed.

Lavender against a backdrop of prickly pear, and a bee hard at work.

Mix of delicate spring flowers

The small green curls will grow into the hard, brown pod (Algarrobo)

I like the markings of the 'leaf-bug'

Saturday, 3rd March

2012-03-03T16:13:00.002Z

We had a series of deadly tornadoes rip through parts of the US yesterday and last night - thankfully we did not end up with a tornado here in the Piedmont of NC. But my thoughts and prayers go out to those who lost loved ones and property in Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky yesterday. I have family in Indiana - thankfully the storm line was south of them.

For us, we had a heavy shower in the middle of the night and nothing more. Today is gray and dreary, but not raining at present.

The gloomy weather did not stop a squirrel from ravaging our bird feeder this morning - I took his photo through the kitchen window as he nearly fell off the lip of the feeder:

3rd March

2012-03-03T11:35:00.003Z

The suns gone, but its not too cold - though Husband said the forecast is for more snow. I don't listen to him, though, because I can't seem to convince him that "more snow" usually refers to Scotland or Shap Fell, or the Yorkshire Moors - where yes, it usually does snow in winter.

Shap is the highest point on the M6 Motorway in Cumbria - especially famous for one of the railway's highest tracks (engines often had to be "double headed" to get over the rise - that means two engines had to be used to haul the train) there are even recordings of the sound of these engines working as they struggle up the hill.

Interesting if you are a steam engine fan, of course. Boring if you're not! LOL

images from the Internet via Google Search for "images shap fell"

2012-03-02T09:05:00.000Z

It has been a week of mixed weather fortunes. Two days (Sun and Mon) were spent in t-shirt and shorts in the sun before returning to normal spring attire but with no need for the fire. Last night was definitely cooler and the fire burned merrily in the grate. Just after midnight I left its glowing embers and made my way to bed.

15 minutes later and foster dog is barking his head off and throwing himself bodily at my bedroom door. Sent back to his bed he continued to shiver and shake, then....thunder and lightning. My dogs stood looking on, heads on one-side, perplexed, as foster dog shakes and cries. Turns out he is OK if he can lie next to my bed. Pathetic dog!

I love a storm. We were in the middle of it. Thunder clashed against the house and lightning lit it from one end to the other. I lay in bed and immersed myself in it. Wonderful!

Inspection of the dog bowls this morning relates 1 inch of rain fell in the night. We needed it. More is definitely coming today by the look of it. I won't begrudge it especially as the rest of the weekend is set fair.

1st March

2012-03-01T11:43:00.001Z

Dydd Gwyl Dewi hapus i bawbi !

which basically means Happy St David's Day

and outside it is a glorious spring day, so I'm not sitting in here any longer

27th February Monday

2012-02-27T19:08:00.000Z

We have the first of our Daffodils in bloom and all of the Hydrangeas have buds coming out on them as well. Yet the weather is still cold (12c/52f) and overcast with rain supposedly on the way. It still feels like winter despite the signs of spring in the garden.

400 nymphs?

2012-02-26T16:32:00.000Z

I opened the front door and walked into warm air this morning. I love that. No cool morning air, no need to dart about in order to keep warm, just warmth. Subsequently I have not done what I should do; instead I have sat with a 1964 edition of a Dorothy L. Sayers Lord Wimsey novel on a blanket in the sun clad in shorts and t-shirt and got colour on my wintered flesh. (I was going to write 'skin' but as Wimsey says in this book, skin is such an ugly word.) The wind has picked up and is forecast to be rather breezy until early afternoon tomorrow, but with more sun. I can cope.

Moving garden furniture around I have found Praying Mantis egg sacs in the underside of the moulded plastic chairs. Research has told me that up to 400 nymphs could emerge from them in spring/early summer. I'm not sure whether I want 400 'mini-manti' scattered across my verenda. The death warrant remains unsigned whilst I consider the pros and cons.

Praying Mantis egg sacs

Is this the mother having a rest after egg laying?

24th February

2012-02-24T11:00:00.000Z

We had our afternoon tea in the garden yesterday - made a few plans to put up a trellis archway, move the garden seat & erect taller fencing between our garden & next door's junk.
We also discovered that the water butt leaks. Oh well.
Looks like all the geraniums in the greenhouse have survived though!

23rd February ~ Thursday

2012-02-23T23:07:00.000Z

I'll chime in as well - sunny warm day for mid February! I have windows open and it is nearly too warm in the house for me! Ice and snow Sunday and sunny and warm today. Currently 72F/21C which is a bit unusual for this time of year.

We have our golden finches back too...and had a small flock of blue birds over the weekend.

And the first of my Daffodils are blooming! At a quick check, my Hydrangeas and roses are budding and showing the first signs of growth too...so I cross my fingers that we don't' have a late winter freeze to damage the fresh growth.

The porch is still wintry dirty so no meals outside tonight. *laughs*

23rd Feb

2012-02-23T11:46:00.000Z

It is an absolutely lovely spring day out there - even down to the robin singing on the fence outside my office window.

Enough of this blogging, tweeting and facebooking, I'm going out in the garden

The clouds have gone.

2012-02-23T08:59:00.000Z

The last three days have been covered with ominous looking cloud that luckily did not deliver the rain they carried. Luckily in as much as we had a book sale yesterday for charity and open-air book sales and rain do not go well together; not so lucky in that we really do need some rain here. The ground is like iron and I can see water limitations on the horizon if we don't get some soon.

And it is not forecast, the next five days show sun all the way with temps ranging from 16 to 19C. And that is 2000 feet up, on the coast it will be warmer. I feel a trip to Malaga coming on!

22nd Feb

2012-02-22T19:22:00.000Z

Today started off bright, but turned to a drizzly rain. Not too keen on drizzle as its neither one thing nor the other.
Nice having more daylight now though, it doesn't start getting dark until gone 6 ish - December time its dark by 4 p.m.
Officially first day of spring soon!

20th February

2012-02-20T14:23:00.003Z

We did indeed have some snow last night. Not much though and certainly it will melt off today as the temp rises above the freezing mark - sun is out bright and clear this morning too. But it was our first bit of the white stuff this winter. It has been mild thus far - so still waiting for the massive ice/snow dump before spring arrives.

Pansy with snow and ice on its delicate petals

The view of the woods out behind our house

Trees behind the garage as the sun rises this morning

Another Pansy - thankfully they are resilient little flowers and it will bounce back.

19th February - Sunday

2012-02-19T19:02:00.001Z

The temperature has steadily continued to go down since I woke up this morning. It is breezy and lightly drizzling outside.We are under a winter weather warning - may end up with snow tonight. The temp is near the freezing mark right now with plenty of precipitation falling outside to easily turn into snow or sleet. I'm happy to remain indoors! What a sharp contrast to yesterday morning when we had spring-like temps and sunny skies!

19th February

2012-02-19T15:26:00.002Z

Sunny day outside & I'm stuck indoors catching up on work I should have done last week.
Mind you, its cold out so I'm not grumbling too much.

16th February

2012-02-16T23:53:00.003Z

Too busy this week to take too much note of the weather. Sad really as I should be enjoying nature more!

Cloudy damp day here. Not much rain, but no sun and no warmth to be had. I drank a lot of hot tea once the coffee ran out this morning. I watched our resident pair of Cardinals feed a bit at twilight - well to be honest, just a darker gray really. The Cardinals didn't seem to notice the lack of a sunset though.

2012-02-16T18:05:00.000Z

It goes without saying that the reason I have not updated the blog for a few days is that I have been struggling with the burgeoning postbag courtesy of that rip-off day that St. Valentine's has become. Mmm, on the other hand it could be because I have been busy writing....

I think it may have rained further up the mountain today. I can hear the stream at the bottom of the valley and the mountain peak is shrouded in cloud - it's an educated guess, though I could be wrong. What I am most definitely not wrong about is the beautiful sunset tonight. The sun was cushioned between cloud and mountain foothills and created an aura that resembled an eye.

Who turned the thermostat down on the sun?

2012-02-13T22:16:00.000Z

I know I shouldn't be moaning as it is not as cold here as many other places in Europe and the States but...this is Southern Spain for goodness sake!
The air temp did not rise above 8C outside today and a very light, but distinctly frosty wind, meant that I could not enjoy the sun on the verendah as I have for the past couple of days. The fire has been burning up my log supply and I managed to get the temp in the living area to a balmy 16C. I think my almost non-stop writing is the only reason I still have blood flow to my fingertips.

My next house will have central heating, I cannot winter without it for a third year (I'm getting old I've determined), as well as a fire. These things I used to poo poo as for wusses are now absolute essentials. I'll just get my winceyette nighty and thick bedsocks...

13th February

2012-02-13T15:35:00.000Z

It's a lot milder, and its raining. Pretty miserable out, actually, so I'm quite happy to stay indoors!

12th Feb

2012-02-12T16:30:00.000Z

Put some new solar lights up in the garden. Bad idea. My fingers got frozen.
went down to -10 last night apparently. I wouldn't know, I was snuggled beneath my nice warm duvet - with a certain kitty cat curled up on top of me!

12th February

2012-02-12T16:12:00.000Z

It is supposed to be a lazy Sunday. We shall see if I follow through or not.

Yesterday an icy cold front blew down from Canada - we were under a wind advisory all afternoon and it was fierce! Mother Nature did some pruning as the wind blew a lot of lose branches and detritus out of the trees and littered up the yard. It was down to 26F (-3.3C) degrees by twilight. And as my husband got out of bed just before dawn this morning, it was only 18F (-8C). BRRRRRR!! No precip though, so no snow. But snow is forecast for this Tuesday. So we shall see if North Carolina joins the UK in the white stuff or not. At least we have a bright, clear, crisp sunny day today. Yesterday was mostly cloudy in comparison.

by ~Juulebof at Deviant Art

Winter Tan

2012-02-11T18:30:00.000Z

Despite the chilly weather I have a tan taking shape. Only on the face you understand, I have not been brave enough to scare the local wildlife by baring flesh, it is still cold enough to have an adverse affect on the extremities. But when in the sun's beam it is warm enough to bake the skin. Yesterday I took lunch out of doors in Malaga and so there is a healthy glow about me. Now for the temperatures to rise enough to get the legs out...

10th Feb

2012-02-10T09:19:00.002Z

5 degrees of separation

2012-02-10T08:33:00.000Z

My parents have been in Spain, staying on the coast as the rather precipitous mountain roads are not to their liking. As a result I have been twisting and turning my way up and down on an almost daily basis. During the summer I have found that there is a 5 degree difference between mountain and coast (hotter at the coast) but this has reduced to around 3 degrees this winter. I wish I knew why.

I'm off to Malaga today to wish them adieu before they return to the cold that is Blighty; so another day of coastal warmth before I retreat to my eyrie and stay there until I complete my book.

Roman Theatre, Malaga
(June 2011. D Cater)

8th February

2012-02-09T21:08:00.001Z

Bright and sunny, not a cloud in the sky....oh so deceptive as it is extremely cold outside. 49F/8C was the high today. The birds don't seem to mind the cold - had to refill the feeder this morning. Dog is asleep in a beam of sunshine. I'm drinking hot tea and trying, much like Helen, to get some warmth into my icy fingers as I type!

8th Feb

2012-02-08T15:49:00.002Z

You've heard of frozen fish fingers?
Well now you've heard of frozen Helen fingers.

Hunter's Moon

2012-02-08T09:09:00.000Z

It was a hunter's moon last night. Driving up the mountain homeward-bound, the light strobed through the car window as the moon played peek-a-boo behind the trees and craggy mounds. The wind which had been pleasantly absent all day on the coast, while the sun beamed down and I regretted the choice of polo neck jumper and cardigan for attire, re-emerged forcefully. It howled all night.

Today is another sunny day but with the wind from the north again (it had had an easterly slant to it for the last couple of days) the temperature has dropped. Definitely a jumper day today.

7th February

2012-02-07T14:03:00.000Z

Bright, beautiful day, fabulous blue sky. Snow still clinging in shadowed places, under hedges etc.
It might be bright, but it's bloomin' cold though!

2012-02-05T18:28:00.000Z

If it wasn't for the wind today would have been glorious. When it abated, or I found a sheltered area, the sun was warm and I could have stayed basking. The ice in the water trough that had been present yesterday had vanished, though the top of the almond tree that had fallen victim to the wind was once again rolling across the track.

The ice sailing across the water trough

The seemingly fragile Iris battles against the wind.

My parents are due in Spain tomorrow but I have to say I am a little anxious about their getting to Gatwick. Freezing fog, my father has informed me, is forecast for tonight; that does not help my over-active imagination at all.

In the meantime I am in front of the fire researching Pompeii, with a little brandy to keep me extra warm!

5th Feb

2012-02-05T11:17:00.002Z

Saturday night, it started snowing. Not much at first, but its surprising how much soon builds up.

I reckon its a couple of inches deep outside this morning. It settled everywhere, so the washing line, the strands of the dormant wisteria - the wire the wisteria crawls along - all have a pile of snow balancing on top, with the occasional flurry of icicles dripping down.

The solar lights - lanterns and such - are all a domed mound, everything is weird and wonderful shapes, unidentifiable at first until you remember what is beneath: ah, that's the stone otter, that's the wishing well, that's the bird feeder.

I don't like snow because of the difficulties it causes in looking after the horses (& I'm scared of slipping over) but oh my - it does look so beautiful!

(There will be a photo - as soon as Kathy eventually gets back from the yard - Ron is driving as he's experienced in the snow - the side road where we live is quite thickly covered, but they got out OK. Kathy is under strict instructions to call me on her phone to let me know they got to the yard OK)

The weirdest thing last night; the moon was full, but well hidden by cloud of course - 1.30 a.m. before I went to bed I looked out and it was almost as bright as day (let's say evening) the sky was a pinkish-cream colour - the moonlight lighting the clouds from above. I went out to check the chickens were all snug - and had no need for a torch.

Now this was nothing to do with street lights or anything, usually I need a flash light of some sort - the light was really quite astonishing. The moon on the clouds was creating enough to also reflect off the snow - quite awesome.

image found by Googling "animated snow"

4th February

2012-02-04T16:23:00.000Z

Rain has arrived. It is 45F/6C and quite gloomy in comparison to the previous weeks weather of dry, cool and bright sunshine. No snow in our forecast at least.

Birds are busy feeding despite the drizzle. Dog is asleep which is what I'd like to be doing myself. *laughs*

It would be a great day to curl up with a blanket and hot cocoa and a book.

4th Feb

2012-02-04T15:26:00.000Z

Will it?
Won't it?
Oh the suspense! The anticipation!

Is it going to snow or not.

(please, please.... not!)

Its cold out, that sort of dry cold that stings your face & bites you to the bone. The sky is a flat, pale grey, sort of sitting there, scowling at the world.
The water bowl in the chicken coop was frozen this morning, and is frozen again this afternoon. I've beenout and topped up the wild birds' fat ball holder & their water drinker - though I suspect it will just re-freeze again.
The fish pond has ice over 1/4 of it. All the fish are on the bottom, they look safe enough.

It's a Chill Wind

2012-02-03T11:04:00.000Z

...that keeps me in the house for the day, apart from obligatory dog-walks undertaken at a rate of knots only matched by the wind itself. It's coming from the North and it is COLD. Otherwise it looks like a perfect day with the sun shining from a clear sky. It reminds me of the Aesop Fable:

The Wind and the Sun were disputing which was the stronger. Suddenly they saw a traveller coming down the road, and the Sun said: "I see a way to decide our dispute. Whichever of us can cause that traveller to take off his cloak shall be regarded as the stronger. You begin." So the Sun retired behind a cloud, and the Wind began to blow as hard as it could upon the traveller. But the harder he blew the more closely did the traveller wrap his cloak round him, till at last the Wind had to give up in despair. Then the Sun came out and shone in all his glory upon the
traveller, who soon found it too hot to walk with his cloak on.

Moral: Kindness is more effective than severity.

Tonight is forecast to drop to 0 C, or perhaps lower. Come what may, tomorrow I will need log replenishment.

3rd February

2012-02-03T10:30:00.000Z

Cold.

Does something tell you its cold?

The fountain in the pond is still "fountaining" but the actual fountain is a weird and wonderful shape because of all the icicles. Will try to get a photo

(I have to ask dear daughter - must work out how to do it myself!)

2nd Feb

2012-02-02T09:59:00.000Z

Bright, bright day - but oh so cold. There's quite a strong wind (north east) so no frost but snow is coming, or so the forecast says.

I'm not a fan of snow. Looks lovely draped over mountains and on Christmas cards - but not on the roads of N.E. London where it soon turns slushy and ice makes it hard for us to get to the stableyard.
I'm frightened enough of falling over because my sight isn't so good & my dodgy hip - so iced pavements horrify me.

Have to admit I don't mind snow in the back garden where it looks pretty though!
Wish I lived in Camelot where the snow stayed off the roads & pavements but beautifully decorated the trees and landscape #laugh

Now where are my warm fluffy socks & the lovely white fluffy gloves I had for Christmas... maybe a scarf as well...

(and my cat, Mab, still insists on going in and out of my office window, even though she has a perfectly serviceable catflap.

1st February

2012-02-01T13:44:00.000Z

It is Imbolc - the time of returning light. In the Christian calendar this important festival became St Brigit's Day. To the pre-Christian pagans it is a day of the Goddess of the Returning Light - all connected to fertility and the all important growing of food in order to survive.

In old days, before we had clocks and calendars, this was the time when farmers started sowing the early crops. Back then, in the mists of time, Imbolc would depend on the phases of the moon and the patterns in the stars, the "1st February" would not have existed.

I was out and about early this morning - before 8 a.m. in fact. It was a beautiful clear morning, although very cold, with frost on the roofs and the cars. The sky a very very pale blue. As we turned a corner, and thus direction, there ahead just above the roof tops was a bright red/orange orb - the rising sun.

Beautiful.

Bright bkessings for this the day of the Goddess of Returning Light.

It's a Beautiful Day

2012-02-01T12:51:00.000Z

...and so was yesterday - Clear blue skies, warm winter sun and no need to light the fire until gone 7pm.

Today is the same except there is also a warm, busy wind perfect for drying the laundry. I don't think I could have walked any slower whilst out with the dogs, I just wanted to linger in the quiet of the mountainside with only tweeting birds and panting dogs as my backing track.

30th January

2012-01-30T17:44:00.001Z

I've been absent, I know *hangs head* But I've had a good excuse! Family was here visiting us for the past several days and I have a heavy production schedule at present. However, I did take a few photos over the weekend! So I'll give a recap of recent weather tidbits:


Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina, US

We drove up to Blowing Rock, NC on Saturday which began as a sunny, crisp morning but soon turned into a dark wintry day. We never did encounter any snow flurries, but the sky certainly looked menacing by the time we reached the Blue Ridge Parkway. (above)

Stream at Linville Falls.

We did not hike out to the falls themselves as it was getting late in the afternoon and the threat of snow loomed overhead. My mother was tired from all the walking earlier in town too.

Flag hanging in front of a shop in Blowing Rock.

Display of fruit in front of a shop in Blowing Rock.

'Out of Wine, Life is Crap' shirt at a shop in Blowing Rock. I should have bought the shirt!

We did very much enjoy walking around Blowing Rock despite the freezing temperatures and strong, icy wind.

The weather is a bit warmer today (52F/11C) and sunny again. We are having warmer temps than is typical for North Carolina in late January. Several of our bulbs are trying to come up and I've spotted a few Forsythia in bloom...in January!

2012-01-28T12:29:00.000Z

Higher up the mountain the rain became snow. I would love to share a picture of my beautiful mountain with a white cape draped over her shoulders...but by the time I got the camera out she was smothered in cloud.

After splashing through the puddles the dogs are now gentling snoring in front of the fire. I have managed to find some room for me, but not as close to the fire as the pooches!

Snoozing dogs...my space is in the far, cramped (unseen)corner!

28 Jan

2012-01-28T10:27:00.000Z

Bright, bright sunny day - but goodness it's cold out there! It even sounds cold - that sort of crispness in the air that magnifies sound. No frost or ice though, just cold, crisp, air. There's a bit of a wind, I assume moving air currents is enough to keep things from getting frozen?

Mab the cat keeps insisting on coming in through the cat flap in the back door & going out the window in my office.
No I am NOT sitting here with the window open. Absolutely not..... oh for goodness sake, OK, I'll open the bloomin' window.......

It's raining (not men sadly)...

2012-01-27T10:47:00.000Z

and there's thunder in the clouds. Yesterday's sunny albeit cool day has been replaced with grey skies, a definite drop in temperature and rain. Foster dog is a complete baby, scared of thunder, so I am having to calm his shaking body. But not too much! I am a firm believer in not pandering to this behaviour but he is quite clearly scared.

The lightning has just sent him onto my lap...and I've lost the internet connection. Blast!
It's back ...quick press post!

Sunny Days, Chilly Nights

2012-01-25T10:44:00.000Z

The beautiful blossom is playing havoc with my sinuses. It's January for heaven's sake, literally got over a cold one day, hayfever the next. Still summer is usually OK for me - I have blossom-fever!
The days have been sunny with a light breeze, some cloud not reaching overly warm temperatures but a pleasant 15 - 16 degrees C falling to between 4 and 9 C at night. I have not been able to make the most of it though due to sniffles.
The herbs are very thirsty in their pots on the sunny window-sills; it is a minor miracle to have year round Basil growing, for me anyway.
There are lots of pied wagtails around, bobbing along the track. They do seem to prefer to walk when they can. The hoopoe bird has been singing his heart out on the overhead electricity cables. He is a very elegant chap and when he flies his stripes are a psychedelic show on their own.

Hoopoe (courtesy of RSPB)

22nd January

2012-01-22T14:21:00.000Z

Bright but cold wind - very mild out for this time of year though.
Feel very lacking as Deborah & Cathy post such lovely posts! I'll make more of an effort one day! #laugh

21st January ~ Rain!!!!!

2012-01-21T19:58:00.001Z

animated image found on tumblr, creator unknown

It began raining last evening and has not let up since. Not a hard rain, but just constant enough to be annoying and keep us indoors. Birds are not deterred though - Wrens are particularly active and we have our Finches back!

Bobbles of Blossom

2012-01-21T14:43:00.000Z

I was asked to provide pictures of the almond blossom that is scattered across the hillsides, and so here is a selection.

The little patches of pale pink dotted around the place are the almond trees

Bee already at work

A ribbon of almond trees draped across the hillside

Some trees are still budding...

...whilst others already have green shoots and the blossom is dying off.
Maroma is seen in the background.

20th January

2012-01-20T14:55:00.001Z

I woke up two hours ago (the first time) with a splitting sinus headache from what I assume is yet another approaching storm/weather front. It is presently sunny and bright - a crisp 5c/35f but something is brewing or I'd not feel like my head was about to explode.

The birds seem unaware of any impending rain as they are all very chirpy this morning, which reminds me that they no doubt need their feeder refilled.

The below freezing temps over the past few nights have finally done in all of my potted plants except for the hardy Pansies.

2012-01-20T11:27:00.000Z

The chilliness and overcast outlook of the last few days went into hiding during the night. Clear blue skies, just the faintest puffs of cloud sitting over the coast, and a warming sun made the dog walk longer than planned. That isn't a problem, means quieter dogs until the hour of 5 when dinner and a second walk is demanded, and the chance to enjoy the foothills decorated with pale pink bobbles of almond trees bearing blossom.
Now, with glasses perched on the end of my nose, a full inkpen and notebook in hand, I am off to sit in the sun and write about Rome. It was boiling hot on the August day of 2006 that I am writing about - I remember it well as it is the day I discovered Bernini and that I was mistaken for a gyspy as I sat in the shade of a street corner to recover with a scarf on my head to protect my hair. Not my finest sartorial hour but it will bring some humour into the writing. And so, onwards!

20th January

2012-01-20T10:28:00.000Z

A bit dull & grey outside, but it is so mild! The hazel tree is laden with catkins; snowdrops & daffs are starting to push their way up through the ground, buds are swelling on trees and shrubs; the garden is alive with birds - as I type I can hear a pigeon cooing, a blackbird singing, sparrows cheeping, and some tits. Dawn produced the wren singing a morning serenade outside my bedroom window.
The fish are feeding in my pond (they did go down the bottom for a couple of days earlier in the week when it turned cold)
I've no doubt it will go suddenly cold & we'll get the dreaded snow - but at the moment Spring is waking up.

On another note: came across this blog
Is Weather Important in Fiction?

Very good article

19th January

2012-01-19T15:57:00.000Z

sad day for me - 20 years ago today my dad passed away. Miss him lots.
Weather wise - I remember that day very well, the few days before it had been a bit icy with a layer of snow up at the stable yard (not in town)
That day though, was cold but bright.
We had arranged to take my daughter & her friend to see some Lipizzaner horses in Somerset - even though I had been at the hospital all night with Mum we still decided to go so as to not disappoint the kids.

Looking back I think I must have been in shock. A 3 hour drive there.... but I remember driving past Stonehenge and it was a beautiful bright sparkly day with the sun gleaming on odd patches of pure white snow.
I also vividly remember my Dad waving goodbye as he was wheeled from the ambulance into the hospital.
Better stop or I'll start crying.
Miss you Dad x

2012-01-17T09:41:00.000Z

My eyes are like pinpricks this morning, the wind did it's best to keep me awake all night as it howled round the house. I am always amazed at how little moves considering it sounds like Armageddon! What the wind has moved are the clouds. Except for a band of pure white across the top of Maroma the sky is clear. Maroma has a sprinkling of snow across it's ridge and the hillsides overnight have recovered some of their greenness.

Yesterday the clouds were far from photogenic, but the appearance of a rainbow as we neared the end of a dog walk was good enough reason to get the camera out.

16th January

2012-01-16T11:06:00.000Z

Feel a bit better today - took one look out the window at the frost and went back to my nice warm and cosy bed - decided I'd stay ill for another day!

2012-01-15T16:45:00.000Z

The much forecast rain has just arrived. It is not particularly heavy but my former self-assuredness (cockiness?) is dissolving as the wind blows the rain into my woodpile, slowly soaking it. Knew I should have invested in some tarpaulin...

Cloud and rain descend

13th January

2012-01-13T23:24:00.002Z

Oh gosh I have been slacking in updating!

The week began with rain, rain and more rain. We even had a tornado touch down the next county over a few days ago. The heavy winds followed as another cold front blasted in from the North. Today has been sunny, but very stiff breeze and chilly outside. The birds are all hunkered down methinks as activity on the feeder has been sparse in this weather. It is currently dark outside and only 1C/37F degrees.

Time to switch on the gas fireplace and curl up beneath my blanket!

13th January

2012-01-13T16:37:00.000Z

Heavy frost this morning. Not that I cared too much, I'v a rotten cold, so scuttled to the bathroom, told the dog to hurry up in the garden then scuttled back to bed.

2012-01-11T14:01:00.000Z

There was a heavy dew this morning and the temperature has dropped considerably. Rain is forecast over the weekend and whilst I like the sun the beautiful greenery that shrouded the hillsides after the last 2 days of rain (some time ago now) has returned to its yellow/brown hue. Rain is needed and I have my supply of logs, so with the "I'm all right Jack" mentality firmly lodged in my brain, bring it on.

Blossom

2012-01-08T14:46:00.000Z

Even with my cold I could smell the Almond Blossom. The almond trees are sporting pale pink flowers and the bees have come out of hibernation to start the pollonation and honey making processes. It is a warm spring day compared to the unseasonal heat of the other day which I put down to the wind from Africa. The dogs enjoyed scampering about whilst we slowly ambled along - washing up the morning after a dinner party really takes it out of you!

I can see Africa

2012-01-06T13:00:00.000Z

A gorgeous, warm day in Axarquia; the Spanish will be enjoying their Dia de los Reyes holiday which is a day of parties and celebration.
We have celebrated by climbing further up the mountain to see the vultures. It was 22C at midday and though there was quite a strong wind blowing up there it was warm. T-shirt and bare legs are the order of the day. It is clear enough to see Africa across the Med.
I am now about to don a hat, sit in the sunshine and put pen to paper. Still 4 (and a bit) more hours of sun to soak up. Glorious days.

3rd January

2012-01-03T19:25:00.001Z

Happy New Year!

While London had a nasty rain storm, North Carolina has had a powerful arctic blast blowing down from Canada today. It was 22 degrees when I woke up this morning and is still only 32 (-2c) at 2 in the afternoon. The wind is blowing quite strong, so no doubt the wind chill factor is more like 10 below! I froze my fingers off just walking down to the curb for the mail! But the sky is bright blue overhead so it is deceiving to simply look out the window. My dog is all curled up in his bed and I don't blame him! I'd love to spend the rest of my day underneath a warm blanket!

Now where did I leave my cuppa??

3rd January

2012-01-03T14:57:00.001Z

Storms over UK this morning - and boy what a storm! 100mph wind in places. I nearly lost a bedroom window. Only had it slightly open but a huge gust of wind shook the front of the house and the window was pulled open - just grabbed it in time.
The rain was so heavy I couldn't see across the rood.

Storm damage

Only one casualty in the garden though - one broken flower pot. (love the image above - an old faithful!)

Now - a couple of hours later - bright blue sky & brilliant sunshine with only the occasional gust hurrying through the trees

Weird Weather!

31st December

2011-12-31T16:11:00.002Z

Final day of the year! And a very mild day for late December. Sunny with a light breeze and not a cloud in the sky. The birds have been very active this morning and we've spotted a few confused Forsythia with yellow blooms on them! Those bushes should not bloom until April! If I wasn't down with a cold, I'd be out tending to the garden this weekend. Typically, it is far too cold this time of year. *laughs* We shall see what crazy weather patterns 2012 brings us.

Happy New Year!

31st Decrember 2011

2011-12-31T15:17:00.000Z

Ok something weird going on here:
Garden. Last day of December.
It's winter? Right?
How come the hazel tree has catkins? The roses are budding? The birds are singing a dawn chorus? The fish in the pond are feeding (as opposed to semi-hibernation at the bottom of the pond)

Catkins? In December???????

All over the Holidays

2011-12-30T12:11:00.000Z

I picked the gorgeous one up from Malaga train station on the 22nd and after picking our way through the beautifully decorated streets of Malaga found our way back up the mountain by midnight. It was he that noted the sky first - absolutely smothered in stars - the deepest black velvet with few spaces between each twinkling light. Some were bright and large shouting their presence, others a dim reflection, the overall impact was incredible. I can honestly say I have never seen so many stars in one go and to top it all, a shooting star. I made my wish!

Since then we have only had two slightly chilly and overcast days (Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), otherwise it has been set fair. I keep meaning to research the full artist's palette of blues to find the name for the colour with which we are so lucky to be crowned with, one of many things on my 'to do' list.

We took the dogs down to the beach at Torre del Mar and apart from an unfortunate incident with an injured seagull (the foster dog needs a LOT of training) it was a lovely warm day on which to picnic. In the winter the sun has a marvellous way of making the sea sparkle; it is as if it is encrusted with crystals.

Today's venture is up and down the mountainsides; considerable exercise is required due to the inordinate amount of wine and pasta consumed. Not too unpleasurable a way to compensate.

The 'boys' enjoying the sunlit sea (Torre del Mar, Andalucia)

29h December

2011-12-29T13:48:00.000Z

funny sort of day. Rained a bit, sunny a bit, rained a bit more then was sunny a bit more - its almost as if the Weather Gods can't make up their minds.
Maybe they've all overindulged over Christmas and are now a tad frazzled so are squabbling over who pushes what weather button.
"Rainy"
"no, sunny"
"No, I want rainy"
"I want sunny"
....

24th December

2011-12-24T19:18:00.002Z

It is so mild I am sitting here at 7.15 p.m. with the window slightly open. Even spenbt some time in the garden - without a coat.

Yesterday it poured with rain for a short while - and who knows what tomorrow will do!

Merry Christmas!

22nd December 2011

2011-12-22T07:29:00.001Z

Winter Solstice

Today is the shortest day of the year

when the sun is furthest from the Earth.

May the Sun and the Moon shine forever on your face

And may all Shadow fall behind you

It is 7.15 a.m. and I am sitting with my office window open, awaiting the sunrise.

I thought I would share some images that are on my screen saver

Bright Blessings
to you all

21st December

2011-12-21T18:47:00.003Z

I created this graphic last year to mark the beginning of the Winter Solstice - and shamelessly borrowed a quote from Helen! Thought I'd post it here as well.

The sky is shrouded in fog and steel-colored clouds. I was nearly drowned while out running errands this morning - the roads are saturated with rainwater. It's chilly - 58F/13C and I'd like nothing more than to crawl beneath a thick comforter and snooze the rest of the day away.

I also created a Holiday Greetings video and would like to share it here as well. Thank you for the brilliant idea, Helen! And thank you to Bronwen Harrison for the gorgeous music she wrote especially for the video!

Bright Blessings!

Shortest Day

2011-12-21T11:26:00.000Z

It may be the shortest day but it is one of my busiest, and that is without picking up a pen! House to be cleaned, dogs bathed, more biscotti to be made (I tested one too many of the previous batch) and then the beautifying routine (the longest of the activities) ready for the arrival of the gorgeous one tomorrow.

I have been blessed with a lovely warm day, for which I think the dogs are also grateful. 17C by half past eleven this morning. Damp dogs are now steaming in the sun.

I've noticed that many people are getting excited that with the winter solstice out of the way that Spring is only around the corner. Well, we know that's not true; the solstice is the start of winter not the end! Yes the days may lengthen ever so slightly but it is still going to be cold(er) (and in the UK no doubt wet), and anyway if you don't have winter you can't have spring, unless you're in southern Spain. Down here we have two springs and a summer!

Anyway, back to the housework.

Have a super Christmas!

19th December

2011-12-19T20:13:00.002Z

Sunny and mild here today. Dog is asleep in the sun on the back porch. Plump Wren is stuffing herself on the bird feeder. I will no doubt need to fill that back up very soon. Nearly reached 60 degrees (15c) today, almost. At least its sunny! I still required a sweater to walk down to the mailbox earlier.

19th December

2011-12-19T15:55:00.000Z

It is absolutely pouring.

The fish are all down the bottom of the pond - I've been scooping out fallen leaves from the water these last couple of weeks (using a fishing net) noticed a couple down on the bottom of the pond toady.

Sorry absolutely NO WAY was I putting my hand and arm in there! Too cold!

Not sure the fish particularly appreciated me fumbling about with the net along the bottom though. Still, said leaves now removed.

Taken Spring 2010

18th December

2011-12-18T18:13:00.002Z

It tried to snow this morning. Fortunately it didn't try very hard.

16th December

2011-12-16T11:35:00.000Z

Pouring rain all night. The rain didn't keep me awake (actually I like the sound of rain) but the guttering is broken and so water just cascades down the wall - not down the drain pipe.
That is OK (well it isn't - one day the landlord might get it fixed) but I had tidied the garden up a bit yesterday. I put the empty flower pots in the corner where the gutter is broken - so the sound of the rain falling on an upturned plastic flower container was like listening to an untalented drummer in a not very good boy band.
In the end I got up, found an umbrella and went out and "sorted it"
Very grateful for a nice warm bed to scuttle back into!

15th, December

2011-12-15T20:13:00.001Z

I know that I have been absent quite a bit as of late, but I have not been swallowed up by the ground or anything. *laughs* I've been working like a fiend to finish up all projects for 2011 in hopes of a small vacation at the end of this month. That vacation begins this Saturday if it kills me. *laughs* So weather wise....mildly cool, breezy and partly cloudy here in North Carolina today. [63F/17C] A bit unseasonably warm actually.

Here are a few photos:

The woods behind our house. Nothing but limbs and empty branches now.

My Christmas Cactus is blooming!

Another shot of the Cactus.

The wreath on our kitchen door.

My Pansies are doing well in their hanging baskets along the porch.

14th December

2011-12-14T12:28:00.000Z

Bright but cold.
No sign of the predicted storm here yet - though the forecast this morning said it might miss the UK & go over France instead.
Good.
Don't let them say we Brits never give them anything.....

I ordered a copy of Deborah's book - it arrived yesterday - looks good!

Baking, Drying, Still

2011-12-14T12:15:00.000Z

Standing in my kitchen rolling out my biscotti dough, looking out at the sheets flapping away like some angry birds, I am very pleased that I now have the curtain to prevent the whistling draught through my front door. The oven is warming the kitchen which means the fire does not need to be lit just yet. Yet, when I had gone into the village to collect the post (and surprise I am now in receipt of three Christmas cards!) there was not even the slightest breeze to disturb the leaves on the trees. I swear it was a few degrees warmer as well.
The dogs are agitating to go for their walk but they will have to hold fire until the biscuits are done. We will definitely be venturing out, I need to collect some kindling and I espied some good size bits of tree that would burn nicely in the grate... I remind myself of the poor man collecting winter fuel.

13th December

2011-12-13T15:51:00.000Z

Bit of a storm last night - great gusts of wind battering everything & lashings of rain - and according to the forecast there is an even bigger storm heralding in from the west due to hit around Thursday.
It's all very still out there at the moment though.

Few of my solar powered lights are working now, the sun is not high enough to charge them up.
It's almost 4 pm, dusk already.

The Sky's The Limit

2011-12-11T12:04:00.000Z

After a chilly morning where the blood was heated by battling through the throngs in Velez-Malaga, a friend and I stopped for a little libation before heading up the mountain. From our seats in the now warming sun we were able to view the aerobatics performed above Trapiche airfield. It reminded me of summer days spent similarly sat outside White Waltham airfield (though the aerobatics there were of a higher quality) watching some of the best aerobatic pilots in the country. I was also young then!

Speaking of young, the Maidenhead Advertiser ran a little piece on my book, A Tale of Nine Cities, and they gave me an age of 31. How wonderful to lose ten years overnight; shame no-one told my body!

My body is encased in more than one layer now. Whilst we still have sun and blue skies, the clouds and wind are more frequent visitors. T-shirts require a cardigan or jumper over the top and bare legs are not recommended. I am grateful that I am not trussed up in hat, scarves, gloves, thermal underwear and any other necessary attire to combat the early and cold British winter. To my friends across the globe suffering cold temperatures I raise a warming toast…

Cheers!

10th December

2011-12-10T17:26:00.000Z

Its cold.
Brrr.
'Nuff said.

7th December

2011-12-07T19:28:00.001Z

I'm afraid no sunshine here in North Carolina either! I had to drive into town this morning and it was a wet ride! And don't tell the police, but I snapped a few photos on my phone whist driving. *laughs*

Driving on the bridge across the Catawba River, part of Lake Norman.


The view out my windshield (or wind screen depending on where you are in the world).

Temps are holding at about 60F/14C at present. Damp and not too cold today. But the forecast is for much colder weather on the morrow. The trees are now bare and a Carolina Wren has decided to nest in one of my hanging flower pots on the side porch. So I must let the plant die by not watering it if her egg(s) are to survive. The basket is right by our side entryway and we are in and out all the time...why the little mamma bird would choose that location for her nest is beyond me!

7th December

2011-12-07T10:15:00.000Z

Up earlier than usual this morning - they are resurfacing the road outside and even with double glazing, having my bedroom at the front of the house and noisy road mending is not compatible!
They started yesterday and with their huge lorries rolling back & forth etc the house felt as if I was sitting of top of a minor earthquake. Everything shaking & rattling.

Anyway.... the sky outside is a pale blue - blue only, not a cloud in sight, but gosh it looks (and is!) very cold.
The wind is from the north east, quite blowy and bitter cold.
Its one of those winter days when even just looking out the window (from the comfort of a centrally heated room) you just know it is icy cold out there.

So I am snug in my fluffy dressing gown sitting at my desk with a cosy radiator right next to me & a finished cup of tea. My feet are a bit cold now though. (Where is that draught coming from?) Must go find my slippers and then head for the bathroom for a shower & get dressed.
The day has begun and I really must do some work!

(What a contrast to Deborah's last post - she was sitting outside a cafe enjoying the Spanish sunshine!)

Out and About

2011-12-06T16:12:00.001Z

Yesterday I was trawling the towns around Axarquia for shops that stock English language books to plead for shelf space for my own masterpiece. I chose a good day for it. Clear blue skies, warm sun and almost empty, winding roads as I steered the car from my village eastwards towards Competa. I did quite well as the two shops that met my criteria took my book - I thank them for it. Before standing in front of shopowners I needed a cup of tea to bolster my bravery quota and sat at an outdoor cafe, sunglasses firmly in place and enjoyed the beauty of the village. We have some mighty fine places that are ideal for aimless meandering up and down village lanes that could lead just about anyway - and often do.

Then to Nerja, the Balcon of Europe. As I waited for the owner of a shop to return I took the opportunity for a glass of something on a terrace overlooking the sea. The sun reflected onto the gentle rippling sea as silhouettes of ships slid along the horizon as they left the port of Malaga and headed eastwards. I was again fortunate and am ever grateful for the opportunity offered by the shop owner. So a successful and enjoyable day all told.

Today I have been beavering away on chapter plans whilst sat in the sun. However, the dogs require walking and we have been acccompanied on our jaunts with the sounds of young goats calling to their mothers and men knocking the ripe olives from the trees. The light is fantastic at this time of year, clear of heat haze and the moon rising in the afternoon sky must have helped as well.

5th December

2011-12-05T16:07:00.001Z

The wind was very cold in London yesterday evening.
By "London" I mean the city of London - the main middle bit, not the outer suburbs where I live. (The City is about 7 miles away)

I was at St James for dinner with my US publisher at the Reform Club (very grand place)

Many London streets are long and have tall buildings either side - wind tunnels.
I walked from Green Park Station, along Piccadilly (past the Ritz hotel)

Turned into St James Street.
It had been raining earlier so quite a few puddles about. Shop windows were beautifully decorated, so I stopped often to have a gaze.
At the end the road bends sharply to the left where the entrance to St James Palace is situated.

There's often a guard on duty -

didn't stop to see if there was one last night because as I turned the corner phew - a blast of ice cold wind almost knocked me over.
I huddled into my coat & scuttled for the warmth of the Reform Club!

Sourcebooks' author Monica Fairview
- and that gorgeous fire!

http://www.monicafairview.co.uk/
http://www.sourcebooks.com/

There's snow on them there hills!

2011-12-04T13:26:00.000Z

There is the faintest of lines of snow on the uppermost ridge of Maroma. The inclement weather of the other evening resulted in the white line being haphazardly drawn across the mountain's top. I am positive this is earlier than last year's first snow. The good thing is I can enjoy the look without having to battle through too many snowstorms; the top of the mountain often carries snow whilst we enjoy the 20 degree winter sun.

It is not quite 20 degrees today. Whilst we have a blue sky and sun the thermometer is showing a low 15. Good dog-walking weather though.

The snow is just too far away to capture with my camera, so I shall share some of last year's with you instead.

Just how strong was the wind?

2011-12-03T09:37:00.000Z

From a non-technical perspective, last night's wind was a) strong, b) noisy c) cold. Arriving home on the stroke of midnight I was unable to put the car on the drive as I could not open the gates. It took all my strength (and I am no sapling) to push the gate open enough for me to get through.

My rented house is lovely in the summer, a cool respite from the heat. In the winter it is draughty and cold, so I pull all the shutters down to keep the heat from the fire in and the weather out. Actions duly taken I retired to bed and lay there until about 4am unable to sleep due to the noise of the wind. It sounded as if I was in the middle of the fiercest storm, the wind screamed along the side of the house. The shutters rattled and not for the first time of a winter, did I lie there wondering how much would be left in the garden, would my huge beast of a car still be there.

The car is always there of course; the wind is not as strong and fiercesome as it makes out with its bellowing and howling. I tried to find the actual wind speed data on the internet (but gave up, not that interested really) but found instead a table with scales of wind strength. From the descriptions I think that we were somewhere in the 'near gale' to 'gale' category. Near Gale gives the description that 'whole trees sway' - well that certainly was the case - and Gale has 'Twigs break off trees'. I have carried out a quick reconnoitre of the immediate area and there are a few more twigs than yesterday. So, from that information I can deduce that the wind speed was probably between 51 and 74 kph (32 and 46 mph). That's pretty fast.

This morning there are blue skies a few puffy clouds and a light breeze, and even that is subsiding. Peace reigns again in the valley. Thank goodness.

Autumnal Spring

2011-12-02T14:37:00.000Z

The windy, rainy cold part of an autumnal Spring has hit today. There may be new lambs in the field but, as in England, that does not marshall in good weather.
The rain has been well and truly blown away and whilst blue skies dominate my view the trees and bamboo are bending like a limber ballet dancer.
The fire has been lit and I wish that the curtain designed to curtail the draught under my front door was hanging in front of it, not residing in the seamstresses' shop.
The dogs are playing havoc indoors as the front door is firmly shut so they cannot go in and out as they choose. I think they are the wrong side of said door!

2nd December

2011-12-02T12:05:00.000Z

Its not very Christmassy outside - thank goodness. OK so snow looks lovely on Christmas Cards but in practicality when you have horses to see to, chickens to look after and already find it hard walking because of a hip problem.... sorry folks give me a lovely sunny, crisp non-snowy winter's day any time!

Have you ever noticed how pale a blue sky is in winter? In summer it's a rich, dark, deep blue, today it's more like white with just a hint of blue - no clouds, a pale, pale sky.
All the leaves are off the Big Tree now and not many left on my Wisteria.
Fingers crossed that it flowers again next year!

2011-11-30T14:36:00.000Z

Lying in the sun writing is probably the best way to pass a day. That is the week so far, along with the odd dog walk.

Tomorrow brings shopping in the big city! Hopefully it is still too early for the Spanish to cram the streets of Malaga for Christmas shopping and I can remain relatively unmolested. Fingers crossed!

30th November

2011-11-30T10:34:00.001Z

Bright, bright blue sky, no wind - but a distinct chill in the air.

It's the sort of day to go for a lovely walk in the woods.

And I get to go Christmas shopping down Walthamstow market instead.

Pah, who drew the short straw then? :-(

28th November

2011-11-28T22:09:00.001Z

Rain! Steady and not too heavy. Dropped the temps down as well. Nearly all the leaves are off the trees. Some bright red leaves are still hanging on the branches of the Burning Bushes. All my Pansies are enjoying the cool weather and rain! My dog is not. He becomes depressed every time it rains. *laughs* I don't mind the rain...rather soothing sound to me. Unless it is storming, which thankfully it is not this evening.

The Vultures are Circling

2011-11-28T16:34:00.000Z

Just been further up the mountain with the boys for a walk. The vultures were
circling so a new carcass must have been put in their feeding pen. The sea
looked lovely, glowing pink from the sun. Unfortunately the camera did not take
the picture as the eye saw it - shame. On a clear day we can see the Atlas
Mountains in Africa but too hazy today. We have lovely sunny weather and it is forecast
to continue for the rest of the week. Hurrah!

The slight pinkish tinge behind the trees - that is the Mediterranean Sea!

A close up of the vulture statue up the mountain.
I tried taking pictures of the real thing but a dot or disappearing tail feather was as good as it got.
This is much better!

28th November

2011-11-28T12:13:00.000Z

Frosty this morning - a fine layer of white everywhere. That will mean the last of the leaves. One more "blow" from a strong wind and the trees will fall to bits. Naked trees - ooh cover your eyes! *laugh*

2011-11-27T17:38:00.000Z

Bizarre dreams continued (going to check the label on wine bottle. What am I drinking?) but fingers are still intact. A neighbour's garden smells divine at the moment as aromatics come into flower. I decided to take a picture of a non-smelly flower though (I don't think scratch and sniff is available on the inter-web yet). A nice sunny plant to lighten anybody's winter.

27th November

2011-11-27T15:29:00.000Z

Yesterday we cleared the last of the geraniums and potted them up in various pots to put safe in the greenhouse. Fingers crossed they survive the winter as they have been beautiful in the garden all summer.
The garden looks a bit bare now - but has turned a lovely autumn colour.
WE went down to the stable yard in Waltham Abbey today (Kathy wanted me to watch her ride Lexie - gosh that horse is BIG - 17.2 at least)
WE drove home through Epping Forest. The sun was low - even at mid day so everything was a bit dazzled. Clear blue sky - a very pale blue, many of the trees that turned early now have bare branches, but the oaks, beeches, silver birch are ablaze with autumn colour - mostly yellows this year, not many reds or coppers.
In my garden the big tree next door (must find out what it is!) has lost all its leaves, my hazel is a glorious yellow & the copper beech hedge is more yellow than copper.
The dogwoods have changed now - one has yellow stems, one red.
The wisteria (yellow leaves also) is shedding badly, I have to fish leaves ot of the fish pond every day. The fish are still feeding, but not as much as when it was warm
Cold wind today - it got quite fierce during the night.
Kathy has collected loads of conkers - no idea what she is going to do with them though!
I'd love to plant a couple but I think a Horse Chestnut tree would be far too big for our garden - pity!

26th November

2011-11-26T16:46:00.001Z

Cool, breezy, partly cloudy day. The Black Cap Chickadees have all but cleaned out the bird feeder again. However, we seem to have lost our pair of Cardinals. Not heard nor seen them for a couple of weeks. Didn't think they migrated.

It's about 14c/55f at present. Good weather for yard work if I was so inclined. I'm not. *laughs*

26th November

2011-11-26T11:13:00.000Z

A beautiful day - clear blue sky and a warm winter sun. I am very grateful for a light, sunny day after my dark dreams last night.
I had gone to sleep with my head full of wonderful thoughts of my beau, but when woken by one of the dogs barking frantically at 3am I became concerned (there was an attempted break-in at a neighbour's a few days previously). My dreams subsequently were a little darker in nature. At one point I was being chased by a large cut-throat razor across the grass (the razor had been 'pimped' and had a chain attached as well), I was jumping over it but I knew it wanted me to pick it up so it could cut my fingers off. My mother was calling to me and I kept saying, "I cannot write if I do not have any fingers!"
A little look into my psyche there!!

Today I am off in search of a plant that I glimpsed the other day on my walks that with hindsight may well be the supplier of saffron. Nature is very bountiful here and one could stock a herb store, fruit and veg stall and, if particularly bloodthirsty, the meat larder with all that is freely on offer here.
I'm just going to be very careful that there are no razors lurking in the undergrowth...

25th November

2011-11-25T16:25:00.000Z

It was bright and sunny today, though distinctlly chilly. It's dusk now - almost dark, the sky is a dark blue, but I have my window open (stuffy in my office) and I can hear birds singing. Two wrens I think... ah they've stopped, but it is almost dark now.

23rd November

2011-11-23T18:48:00.000Z

Again on Dog Pee patrol in the early hours of this morning. It was very still (and dark) breath in great clouds of mist - so very cold.
Must get the last of the gerniums under cover.

22nd November

2011-11-22T09:51:00.000Z

Water, water, every where,

And all the boards did shrink;

Water, water, every where,

Nor any drop to drink.

Coleridge, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

Bit like that here. Despite two days of almost continuous rain, with the stream running with such force it could almost be classed as a torrent, and the ground sodden and helping to create our second Spring, but with the sun now in the sky for the second day running I find myself entering the second day without water.
This is not funny. I am having to fill the kettle with bottled water, then fill the basin and wash from there; I am rationing my cups of tea (this quite frankly is the greatest problem) and I am filling the dogs' water bowls from the sheep trough that luckily sits only a few metres from my gates. All I want is to stand under a powerful shower and up my tea intake to the required 10 cups per day...

But despite all that I still have the beautiful mountain, Maroma, filling the view from my living room window.