Monday 27th December

The thaw has started at last...temperature above freezing this morning and the house feels positively balmy.
Goosestep  and Bobblehead appeared early on , with a group of about 10 greedy youngsters arriving later.

Old mans beard and rosehips on the way to the lake.



the snow melt is running down to the lake under the ice gradually melting it.

I then came across a bizarre scene, I saw a deer struggling by the fence, I assumed I had startled it and it had become entangled, I stood still to wait for it to calm and saw another creature streak away up the path, I was so surprised I didn't really take it all in, but it appeared to be badger sized but black and tan, the deer got away but left a lot of fur and blood on the fence, I still haven't worked out what had happened but I think the deer was injured, in this cold weather it will be difficult for it, at one time there was a gamekeeper you could pass these things to and he would keep an eye out and if necessary shoot the creature but things move on.

Christmas Eve

Well, as forecast the sun appeared today, it is amazing how it changes everything.
I had a quick walk down to the lake the sun was just high enough to shine through the trees onto the frozen lake.

And then I  caught sight of my shadow in the snow....I have always wanted long legs.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas.....

Tuesday 21st December

nasty fog this morning, but a thaw started and by lunchtime I was able to get out of the lane with a fair chance of getting back home.
Bobblehead came early on for breakfast, he is looking good, the feathers growing again on his neck.

Goosestep came as well, a couple of younger birds were leading him a merry dance....all energy gained from eating the seed was lost chasing them off, it was real panto stuff, as he chased one so the other would sneak to the wall and gobble the food.

I would dearly love to see the sun....forecast for friday apparently, can't wait.

Sunday 19th December

It's back...the pesky white stuff, and so cold.
I haven't managed a walk out as still have work to do.
The horse in the field were fairly frisky sparking each other up, some have coats on now and the ones without coats keep tugging at them with their teeth.

I have just heard there may be more snow tomorrow.....Rats..

It is very pretty at the moment....we just need to slow up and enjoy it I think.
Bobblehead has been around again and is looking good.

Tuesday 14th December

I am feeling really sorry for myself as I am so busy I have hardly put my nose out of the door. I am getting desperate for fresh air and exercise....I am working really hard this week to try and complete my orders by Friday, so after that I hope to fit a walk back into my day.
i am just posting today as Bobblehead was back, hadn't seen him since last Tuesday so it was great to see him, he looks fat and healthy and even chased goosestep off, I wonder where he goes?
Has anybody seen this bird?

I will be back at the weekend.

Tuesday 7th December.

A truly beautiful Hoar frost this morning, I drove through the fog and frost to Bishops Waltham and it was spectacular. the fog lifted and the sun came out, sadly by the time I got home the fog was back.
Goosetep came for some seed ,again,  seeing off all others,I think I saw Bobblehead at the end of the garden , if it was him he looked healthy.

I put leftover spagetti out for the scavengers, the garden hoodies love it.

it was too late when I got home , I started a walk down to the lake but realised it would be dark soon, not only that but it was really cold. The trees still had their coating of frost.

It struck me how odd it was to see this amount of frost when the trees still have leaves on .

The animals in the fields look really fed up, both the horses and the cows were lying on their hay rather than eating it, I wish for sun for them (and the farmers) tomorrow.

friday 3rd December

Very cold and foggy morning, I had 2 reasons to clear the drive of snow....both of which cancelled just as I finished.
the sun came out this afternoon , just as I had wished yesterday, so I piled on the layers and waterproofs and headed out. I walked down to the lake, across to the reservoir then through the woods, the man with the bike and huskies had been there before me which helped with pathfinding.
mainly I saw snow and things covered in snow so I won't say anymore I'll just show the pictures.

fantastic Blue sky.

Who needs tinsel

Across the horse field to Noar hill.

Snow sculptures.



a little top heavy.



Web on the line.



Thursday 2nd December

Woke up to an awful lot of snow...very pleased I had piles of work to get on with at home. Normally I would want to walk out in the snow but just going to the top of the garden filled my wellies with snow. my feet were quickly frozen.
I had meant to put the garden furniture away, but it looks strangely comfortable.

Great excitement for the horses today, their feed arrived on a tractor and trailer which spooked them somewhat, once they realised what was on it it was every horse for themself. Their water was frozen so the trough was lifted by the tractor and given a right thumping and then refilled from a massive plastic container.

This Blue Tit kept hovering outside the window, not sure if it was begging, or fancied its reflection.

I wish for a blue sky and sunshine tomorrow.

Wednesday 01 December

Bitter wind coming in from the east, my first sight from the window this morning was of the horses tucking into piles of food, I was delighted to see them fed.
And the next thing was seeing Bobblehead alive and well...he obviously has a quieter spot to feed and arrived here after the flock had moved on.

Spotted this bird in the rose bush and cannot identify it exactly from the books I have, I think it is  redwing from the stripes over its eyes, but none of the books mention the blushed breast.

I didn't get out for a walk so apologies if it is a little dull today, the snow and ice meant that I spent 1hr preparing for a 30 mile round trip, clearing and gritting the drive. After that there was very little daylight left. I hope to get out tomorrow.

I fed the birds three times today and still there was a queue for the nuts.