Rain and snow

It has rained every day this year. It has been a nightmare trying to schedule rehearsals for the outdoor performance and because we need to keep the costumes and props dry, we have struggled with getting enough runs in. I have turned into a crazy woman who walks along muttering to herself and occasionally shaking her fist and shouting at the sky.

Meanwhile the snow continues to cause havoc in England. But it is just so beautiful in the Lake District. I still want to be snowed in (in a centrally heated, doubled glazed house, of course). I imagine an open fire, a contented cat, a good book, a full-bodied red and a red-blooded lover. And forays out into the world to chat with neighbours and compare conditions. In scenery like this I would indeed be walking in a winter wonderland.

Check out more of these gorgeous photos at Tony Richards' website.

You lucky, lucky...

I have always wanted to be snowed in. It's a sort of ambition of mine. That time at Digbeth Coach Station doesn't count. Nor does the skiiing holiday in Norway - that's sort of expected, really, isn't it?

One New Year's Eve (2005) we went walking with Screy Sis and Mr Smartypants to the Old Lion Inn in Blakely. It was a cold walk (hence we were wrapped up warm).

As we began to thaw out by the fire, even those who don't drink (that would be Scarey Sis then) soon got a glow on.

As for those that do (and the Old Peculier was going down very nicely thank you very much) they were positively Ready Brek!

Sadly, although it was cold, there was no snow that night, and we were home and tucked up in bed snoring soundly by about two minutes past midnight. So I have nothing but envy for those stuck in the Tan Hill Inn (this fabulous atmospheric picture by Richard Quirk) - they got a three-day lock-in! Being snowed in over New Year's Eve in a pub must surely be a dream come true. The only danger is of the beer running out.

It was no surprise to learn that among those 'stranded' were members of DOSS AC - this is the club to which Him Outdoors belongs. They hail from Leeds University and are often to be found running up and down hills, drinking pints in or outside pubs and wearing a particularly virulent shade of yellow. That would doubtless help them be spotted in a blizzard. Whether anyone would then choose to rescue them or not is another matter... Here they are outside another pub; see what I mean!

What a way to usher in 2010 - now there would be a good reason for a sore head. I suppose there is a slight feeling of how can things possibly get better than that? As they say at the Tan Hill Inn; it's all donwhill from here. (Actually, I don't know if they do say that, but they should - highest pub in the country and all that).