Sunday 4 January

On New Year's Day I came down with an ear-infection, which was very painful. I therefore didn't show my face outside for the next couple of days. Also, this left me partially deaf. I am told this is temporary, but it's a flipping nuisance. Today, I went to church to start with. It had been frosty in the night, and upon walking to church, about a quarter of a mile away, Jack Frost was in evidence with his handywork on car windows. The church service was one for Epiphany, but also about New Year. The service itself was followed by a social event, highlighted by poetry, images of sculptures, and music. Went for a walk in the woods during the afternoon. The sun was out, as were many Sunday walkers.

Thursday 1 January 2015

Happy New Year!

The New Year came in with a nationwide letting off of fireworks; in this neck of the woods, it continued until about 1am. Got up at half past nine, to visit and be visited. Quite a nice day, ice and snow are melting fast.

Wednesday 31 December - New Year's Eve

Here we are again, on the final day of 2014. Fireworks are a major thing here in Holland at this time, but the government now only allow people to let them off between 6pm and 2am. Nonetheless, we did spot some young folk letting off carbid bangs. Went for a walk in the woods, but a nagging cold is precluding us from making major forays at this time. In the evening, we watched some entertainments, until midnight struck.
A thaw is now well underway, and the ice on the pavements is melting.

Tuesday 30 December

In view of the dicey state of pavements around town, we only went as far as the Castle Country Park. The council didn't do its job properly, and failed to sweep our street. It is pretty hilly, so an icy situation is not desirable. Had a closer look at the Tricky Fountains, but the shell galleries are all wrapped up against frost.

Monday 29 December

Pretty bright day, but the snow causes problems for man and bird. The robins had to put up with each other on the snow deck. Out on the streets, the snow has part thawed then refrozen, reducing the pavements to an icerink. We had to go to Velp, a mile away, for some shopping, but it was hellish; instead, we needed to walk on the cycle paths, which were slightly more open.

Sunday 28 December

Went to church this morning as a chorister. After the service, it's customary to drink a cup of coffee. It's sunny today, which gives the snowy scenes in the village a totally different aspect. Pavements have become quite tricky, so didn't go out for a major walk.

Saturday 27 December

We awoke to a heavy fall of snow: 14 cm / 6 inches on the grass outside. Went for an amble round the village to snap it under snow, not something I have seen too often in recent years.Parents with children took advantage of the white stuff and got the sledges out to whizz down the hills in this wee town.