Chilly......

We don't get snow here very often!  It was very dull when this photo was taken, the air thick with snow that was about to fall abundantly from a heavily laden sky.  Son took dog for walk and took the photo - just moments away from home.

  I wanted to go but spouse mentioned the fact that knees that dislocate walking across the front room should probably not venture out today.  I was gutted.  It doesn't seem that long ago although I think my mind probably deceives me when I loved nothing better than dog walking hereabouts in the Sussex downs.  I can't go out in my car as my tiny automatic is not suited to these conditions.  Husbands 4x4 can (necessary for his work as a professional gardener we do not gas guzzle because of wealth). As consolation prize for non walking he took me out for a drive and also to stock up on gas canisters as we are prone to blackouts and without my ovaltine I am one very grumpy female.  The heated seat on full, I sat aghast at those who feel its ok to venture in conditions in cars that are simply not equiped for snow.  Don't get me wrong if any of these were essential usage, they must take their chances but to the boy who from the look of him passed his test last week came gleefully toward us on sheet ice whilst on his mobile phone, I do have words suitable for him most of them expletives. 

I enjoyed my foray out but was glad to return to warm fire and crumpets.  EDS joints do not like the cold at all and I am simply not thinking about the heating bill which will shortly land on our doormat.  I do pay a monthly sum by direct debit but in order that my entire housekeeping is not taken up with this bill the dd is not sufficient to cover the entire bill.  Last year the extra went into £100.00's  (quite a few of them) but husband with a short memory cannot abide for me to be cold and despite my protestations and middle aged mutterings about last years bill, he remains adamant that I am not cold.  The fire does take off the edge and we make good use of fallen trees collected over time.  However for the moment despite adding as many layers as possible the heating is on more than the planet and the bank balance can accomodate.

So despite the fact that the snow is beautiful as long as you are a child, making snowmen, stealing carrots for noses, sledging and gleefully throwing snowballs.  The UK is not really suited to this type of weather.  In part because it happens rarely, the last time it was as snowy as this in 1981 there were the normal complaints -  why does the country come to a standstill, well really it is due to money.  There is little point in keeping an army of snowploughs and all associated gubbins fully functioning and in storage for the odd occasion that it should snow like this.

I know its not good for the economy but I don't mind when the shops can't open - we have the type of store cupboard that can accomodate snowy times.  I do feel sorry for the elderly who struggle with the heating bills and those who need carers round the clock.  There have been some truly heart warming stories of carers who have struggled miles in desparate conditions to the disabled with MS and other disabling conditions.  These carers really do earn the minimum wage and I find it interesting that it is always these people who make the most effort to make sure others don't suffer.  I don't feel sorry for the bankers who have been forced to 'work' from home no doubt only venturing out in their unnecessary Range Rovers to pop to Waitrose to stock up on wine, lest they may run out.

Anyway, to anyone who is feeling chilly or islolated in this cold snap, I hope the blogging community is helping in a virtual kind of way to keep you warm in both body & soul.