Tuesday, March 26, 2013

A gap year....

Do you suppose that if I creep back in here quietly, don't bang any metaphorical doors or switch on any metaphorical bright lights, I can settle back in without any fuss - without disturbing anyone?


It's not that I've been anywhere in the true 'gap year' sense - the past 12 months have been spent in much the same way as the previous twelve months, and indeed, the twelve months before that - mooching around the top  of this low mountain. There have been highs and lows of course but somehow recording the minutiae of life in the small mountain kingdom lost its sparkle and it seemed the best solution was to take a break.


But now maybe I should open the door again and let some of the day-to-day events creep in - how else I am going to know, in years to come, the date when the first swallow arrived or what the Young Farmers did in the drama competition or indeed just how deep the snowdrifts were in March 2013....

...and since that question was on every reader's lips, the answer is deep. Very deep.

Behind these drifts is a field gate - but impossible to reach today. Trelystan is cut off.

Our lane and the bigger lane it joins have filled in with snow - yes, we did have quite a lot but it's those pesky winds which have been the problem.


We can walk up so far and then any progress is impossible.


Our farming neighbours are coming over from Fir House by quad bike to feed the stock that is over here. By the chorus of 'moos' currently coming from the barn I guess that someone has just turned up with a bag of feed.

By now we're resigned to staying put - the larder is reasonably well-stocked....although I imagine in a few days time our diet will comprise of curious odds and ends. There is a comforting amount of sloe gin. And plenty of marmalade. The Glam Ass seems to have got over his attack of cabin fever, is less grumpy and has taken to his shed making dozens of bird houses. (Each one a work of art.Trust me. Orders taken.)

The snow blower was spotted yesterday making slow but dramatic progress in our direction but has not been seen since. The driver apparently said it would take 2 or 3 days to get to us and has probably been diverted anyway to clear the road over Long Mountain where feed trucks need to go.

So we'll sit tight. I have a lovely new computer with lots of 'bells and whistles' to explore so will be happily occupied until the roads are cleared or a thaw sets in.

Oh, and another thing. Yes, British Summertime starts on Sunday. No comment.





11 comments:

Twiglet said...

Lovely to see you blogging again - What an amazing amount of snow you have. Luckily ours is minimal and all roads are clear. I think it might be a good while before we see the first swallow this year!!!! x Jo

Kirsty.A said...

Welcome back. Great to see you pop up on my Reader list. Hope the snow disappears soon. we haven't had any that settles, but it is bitterly cold.

rachel said...

Never mind all that creeping nonsense - get yourself back in the saddle and blow your horn! You're back, and not before time, either. We've missed those young farmers....

Will wait with bated breath for what you end up eating if the snow clearing doesn't happen soon enough. Photos, please....

Annie said...

So good to have you back....you have been missed. There was us thinking our 8" was a lot of snow!....I know our little dogs thought it was :-)
Hugs,
A x

Frances said...

Welcome back! I've been looking for a new post from you during the past few weeks, and might wonder if the web's ether might have sent you that message.

Gosh...you have had snow. Over here in New York, we were let off very easily this winter. Yes, we had snow (even a little dusting yesterday) but it never amounted to much beyond the annoyance of slush. We never had enough accumulation to make creating a snowman possible.

All the same, it's been cold, and Spring weather seems to be taking its sweet time arriving. It's strange for me to think that around this time last year, I was in London and experiencing an unseasonal early warmth.

I'm so looking forward to more posts from you, from that new computer.

Hoping that the deep snow surrounding you will either be swept to the side soon, or will yield to the brilliant warmth of sunshine.

xo

Pondside said...

When I heard from Jane about the weather over your way I immediately though of the two of you on your long hill. I well remember the road in to your place and can imagine that it will be some time before you are whistling down to the grocer.
So nice to see you pop up on my sidebar again. I've missed your posts!

Cro Magnon said...

I'd send over some snow shovels, but I don't suppose the postman would get through to you. Welcome back!

Mac n' Janet said...

Welcome back, don't get lost in the snow.

Nikki - Notes of Life said...

I did wonder what it was like up there with you... and I was wondering if you were OK... That was quite a radio silence! :)

Friko said...

Are you out yet? we are. thanks to a team of freinds first, but now the snow is almost all melted, apart from a few very dirty big lumps.

Elizabeth Musgrave said...

I came by as I have ever few weeks since you stopped blogging and here you are again! Yay and double yay! Those are spectacular drifts. I thought we had the hugest in the UK but now I am wondering!