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.

Friday 26 December - Boxing Day

Started out quite frosty this morning, with thick rime encrusting leaves and blades of grass. It brightened up a little, so we had time for a short stroll round town before a family visit by the end of the afternoon. My sister and most of her children (teenagers and young adults by now) turned up and brought some nibbles. Very good.

Thursday 25 December - Christmas Day

Another church service this morning, slightly less packed, but still pretty full. The weather has improved a little, and we even saw the sun towards the middle of the afternoon. Went on a forest walk towards the Emma Pyramid Belvedere, using a different route which turned out to be a quarter of a mile shorter; then back via the forest cemetery. Christmas dinner consisted of stewed pears with rolled pork, very tasty.

Wednesday 24 December

It is gradually turning a little colder, quite noticeable on this afternoon's forest walk. The day started very wet and windy, but it dried up in time to allow us a short stroll in the woods, 1½ miles. Discovering new paths every day, although I grew up in this area. Probably didn't do that much walking when I was young!

In the evening, we went to the Christmas Eve church service, in which I participated as a chorister once more. The church was packed out, there was no more room at the - church.

Tuesday 23 December

It brightened up very, very slowly, but by 3.30pm, the sun came out. It set in a blaze of colours just after 4.30pm. Went for another walk in the woods, another 3 miles. Quite pleasant, on account of the mild temperatures which persisted today. 12C is very high for late December. It should get a little colder over Christmas, back to normal values for the time of year.