Winter bits and bobs.

[oldherbaceous]

It really is making gardening work quite tricky at present!

[retropants]

I'm happy to stay in the warm for now! Only a few weeds to remove from the tiny veg patch at the bottom of the garden. I may have missed the boat protecting my potted dahlias, oh well, I can always choose some new ones in the spring!! I'm going to order a couple of patio climbing roses for either side of the back door. The aggies and clematis are a bit old and past their best now, and I fancy a change of scenery.

[Westi]

I am going down on Thursday; well hopefully! It is going to be 0C for the whole time I will be down with no increase until past midday despite the sun being out. Hopefully we won't see the snow tomorrow as predicted as the chance of that turning icy might mean a late review as the side streets won't be gritted & it's downhill to the bus stop, not to mention the site lock will probably be frozen.

Whatever happens, happens though as all next week is looking much improved starting Saturday, actually reading this I might as well just skip Thursday & Friday as well. I'm clumsy enough on a sandy beach without testing my non existent ski skills on concrete & tarmac!

[Myrkk]

Happy New Year everyone. Bought my garlic and didn’t get it in before the ground froze, same with rhubarb, so hoping a pot sowing will suffice. A bit snowy here which is actually making the garden easier to visualise. Chooks surprisingly have started laying eggs, just after solstice. Not a normal thing for chooks so a little extra winter bonus. After the excitement of having a garden again last year, I’m being more measured in my gardening efforts this year. First stop is building an enclosure for the ducks and chickens so my spring bulbs don’t get decimated. Bought myself a lovely pair of muckboots so my feet stay toastie warm regardless of the temp. Only downside is trying to get the things off as they create quite a suction… lol
Hope you’re all staying toasty x

[oldherbaceous]

And a Happy New Year to you, Myrkk…..started my garlic off in pots this year, so the garlic along with the rhubarb will be fine.
Glad you are getting some early eggs…they are a bit like digging potatoes, they can be a nice surprise.
Hope the suction eases off….lol

[Geoff]

Still got the snow, not surprising as never above freezing all day, already minus four tonight. Nice sky earlier.

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[Westi]

Happy New Year to you too Myrkk!

I've just had a little muck around in the close with some of the neighbours, arguing over the wee bet we have between us regarding whether we will have snow. Quite a big debate about whether sleet can count, but we agreed on the traditional snow on the ground, still have to midnight though so maybe a chance. All for £10 toward the church rebuild after it caught fire.

Planning has gone through without too many changes except for the colour of the brick work to match the house, could be a problem as never seen any houses outside our development with the brown/black colour, but the building guys say they know you can still get thin bricks so can put these over the breeze block structure if needed & this was agreed if proper insulation which there is. Only other limitation is we are not allowed to rent it out.....shame really as could make a few bucks in summer being so close to the beach, although where all Mr's stuff would go is unknown!

[Geoff]

Minus five still keeping the snow with us. An alternative railway viaduct webcam for you this morning.

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[oldherbaceous]

Thank you for sharing the pictures with us, Geoff.

[Cider Boys]

I hope that all of you are keeping well and warm. It has been very wet (as usual) here and I've moved all my sheep up to Exmoor so they can enjoy the snow, but at least it is drier underfoot up there rather than the quagmire here. I do not have a high axle car and as the roads are flooded can't get out and I hate being stuck at home. I hope for drier weather and sunnier times.

Barney

[Westi]

You might be in luck Barney! The weather is warming next week for a fair while. I keep looking on the phone for reassurance there is nothing coming that is going to change this! I can't get down until Monday but plan tomorrow is to take all the bulbs out where the builders are going to be working tomorrow. I took a fair few out but obviously not very diligent with my digging, so a nicer day will maybe focus me more not having to go inside to warm up.

[Geoff]

First night without frost but plenty of snow still with the slow thaw, rain in next couple of days might shift it.

[Clive.]

First night without frost but plenty of snow still with the slow thaw, rain in next couple of days might shift it.

Still frosty out here East this morning, at -4C when I went to the big garden at 9am through the fog...I was running a bit late and cats were tapping their watches Greenhouses had held on frost 'stat all ok and better than a week or so ago when there was a wind chill to add..or rather subtract..

back home now, still showing fraction below zero.

It's listed at 2C overnight...soon be back to squadd and muck and clarty boots..

C.

[Westi]

Min 4C, max 7C tomorrow...that will do nicely! It feels kind of weird not being down there for so long but no doubt first step through the gate will change that immediately as I expect the covers & netting will be everywhere. Nothing on my list except for 1 really big scrawl...'take seeds home'! My new ones are down there as well as they were delivered to the plot & as a bit of drizzle & mice evidence in the old shed I put them in the new little shed for safety & as is the way forgot them. I would say it was age related but just the norm for me as you know!

[Cider Boys]

Pleasant dry day to-day, I spent some time with the chainsaw cutting up four dead elm trees and an ash tree that came over in the recent gales. I made reasonable progress but packed it in when I started feeling tired; it will all be there waiting for me to do later. I do like dead elm and also ash because you can burn them in the log burner without the need to season them. Must start pruning my apple trees and ordering some seeds from D T Brown soon. I also need a new pair of Wellington Boots, aren't they expensive if you want to buy a pair to last?

Hoping you all stay dry

Barney