The last snow

Following a night of heavy rain, which disolved all the snow in Cheltenham, Jerry and Tim got out the bikes and headed out to the Cotswolds to catch the last snow.  On top the snow held fast to the leeward side of walls and lingered in dips in the ground, the white contrasting with the brown earth
of the ploughed fields and the yellow ochre of the stubble left over from last years harvest.
A great but slushy ride.

Winter wonderland

It was great to see Loz this morning who updated us on all her news and took away the old chest 

of drawers as a restoration project.  We had another fine walk to Cockleford. The snow 

had created linear patterns in the ploughed earth and defined field boundaries and hedge rows. 

It was pretty bleak on the top of the Cotswolds with the wind driving light 

drizzle into our faces all the way. 

Worth the effort

The FT's popped over and we walked to the allotment field for sledging.   It was very muddy so we girded our loins and walked up to the top of Shurdington Hill.  It was well worth the extra effort to get to the steep slopes on top, we were not disappointed - brilliant sledging.  There was a continuous light fall of snow all morning so stopping on the way for warming hot chocolate was welcome.  Thick snow drifts, fantastic sledging on pristine snow - just magic.  Sledger of the day was Christine who can be seen disappearing into the distance at the end of the video.  Take a look at the fab FT video Worth the effort

A lovely day - thank you to all.

1st sledging session

Sledging fun was the order of the day!

1st snow

The snow hit Gloucestershire big time today.  Shurdy was a swirling mass of white, the front 

door and shoes covered in snow.  Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone.

Cowley and Coberley Walk

As the weather was cold but sunny we made a flask of ovaltine and headed to Cowley for a brisk walk.

After heading towards Upper Coberley we crossed the fields and headed to Cockleford Mill (very picturesque) on a circular route via the Green Dragon.  A lovely quiet walk and the right decision because, as we drove back home, the World and his wife were out in force clogging up the lanes near Leckhampton Hill.

Indian

Last night we went for our annual post Xmas curry with Nick and Jane.  It was a great evening and nice chance to catch up with their news.

Summing up

Last night we took William back to Bath University. Tim came along for the ride despite feeling washed out after recovering from what we think was the Norovirus - ugh!

It was great to have William back home for the Christmas break and enjoy the family gatherings. University life and the course must be suiting William as he looks fit, healthy and his knowledge, after three months of study, is impressive.    Best of luck with the exams Flower.

The Hobbit

Yesterday the Turtinos watched the The Hobbit on the big screen - a lovely afternoon.  A great film.

Winter surf

The FT boys joined the Turtinos for a splendid winter surf session at the Ho!

Choppy seas didn't stop the chaps getting some good waves in - ranging from 4' to 6'. Wave of the day goes to the FTs - Luke on the crest and Jerry dropping down the face.

A great but exhausting day.  Thanks Jerry for the full English breakfast on route.

New Year's Day

A quick spin up to the Midlands to see the Turtinos. Jane put on a fabulous spread as usual and Richard showed us his brilliant new remote controlled helicopter.  It was a chance to catch up with Jonathan et al.