'Earth as hard as iron'.

Here we are at the mid winter solstice the shortest day of the year, and I must say that the sunset was spectacular this evening, as the sun slipped below the horizon of hills, and the moon rose into the heavens.

All at Burnside is frozen, 'Earth as hard as iron. Water as stone', to quote the great Gustav Holst. The smoke from the hearth rises unhindered into a starlit sky, and the mercury has plummeted.

In spite of the bitter conditions, good use was made of the day, by topping up the freezer with venison. At the very least Christmas dinner is now assured!

The mid winter sun at 1.10 p.m. today, as it skims through the frozen birch woods. At this latitude daylight is a privilege.



The deep mid winter. 'Earth as hard as iron. Water as stone'. The view north from Burnside.

Christmas dinner assured. Come what may, we shall eat!



Stay warm. Stay safe.

Regards,

                  Julian.

Snow!

The weather forecasters do not always get things right, but my, they did this time!! When they spoke of heavy falls of snow on high ground they meant it..........and we got it!

As I sit here typing, the view from the office window resembles that of the Dacha scene, in Dr. Zhivago!,( the sparkly frozen one, at the cottage in the Urals). We have -10 C, and a level 18 inches of snow.

Last winter was the hardest in thirty years, and it all started in mid December. What we wonder does this winter have hidden up its sleeve, if we are experiencing these conditions in late November?

It is said that a pictures says a thousand words. So here goes.

          
                                                    Digging in to the steading.

                                          The Urals? Eagle Creek, Alaska? Nope...Ballintomb!

Ice anyone?

                                                                   Buried again!

                                   Monty wrapped up like a sausage roll, and as warm as toast.

                                                                 Got any carrots?

Stay warm where ever you are.

Julian.