Tuesday, 30 November 2021

First Snow

As the weekend's storm subsided, the weather became decidedly chilly and by Sunday morning the sky had turned overcast and heavy, a far cry from the bright sunshine we had been forecast. I was a little disappointed, having already planned a walk for the day but undeterred we set off anyway, determined to get out for some gentle exercise and fresh air. A few flakes of snow hung in the air but I wasn't expecting them to come to much, any hopes of a decent snowfall are often dashed, usually turning to sleet before even a light covering is settled.




It wasn't long before it became clear that the snow was here to stay and we were certainly not going to be heading up onto the fells any time soon. We couldn't even see them hidden beneath the heavy, low cloud. Never mind, we would take a walk round to the local National Trust property and through the nearby wood. But unfortunately we couldn't manage that either, as it was closed. Instead we walked a little way up the hill and along the lane. The snow was falling far heavier by this time and I was frequently being used as target practice for Lily's snowballs, when she wasn't on the ground making snow angels, that is. Any time I paused to chat with someone, she made sure to gather even bigger handfuls. Her aim is excellent by the way :)




Dropping down through the field we crossed the large stepping stones over the beck, being extra careful not to fall in. I didn't particularly relish the thought of a soaking in the icy cold water. Fortunately, the stones in the middle were flat and dry, it was on the ones closer to the edge where we needed to be especially cautious. It was lovely and peaceful there, not even a sheep to be seen. 


The final stretch of our walk took us alongside the river. The snow was falling much lighter now and the sun was trying it's best to break through the cloud. We gathered branches and pine cones, which had blown from the trees and onto the path. These will be used to make our festive door wreath at some time during the coming week.

It is the beginning of December tomorrow. Last year I posted a little something each day throughout the month. I'm not sure I will have chance to do that this year but I hope to at least post more often than I have recently.

J. X


26 comments:

  1. What beautiful snowy photos - my girls would have loved to have been Lily, unfortunately, for them at least, snow is a rare occurrence down here. We just had it very cold and windy. I have been busy wrapping Christmas presents this morning, nearly sorted thank goodness then I can focus on the more restful aspects like making mince pies and sausage rolls x

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    1. I'm going to make a start on some of my wrapping this evening. I have a habit of leaving it until the last minute, so this year I'm determined to wrap as I go along. X

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  2. Your photographs have the most beautiful quality - I especially like the second one - but all are beautifu;l.

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    1. Thank you, Pat. I do love a snowy scene. X

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  3. It sounds like Lily had lots of fun on her walk haha, the scenery is beautiful. xx

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  4. Beautiful photos. Hasn't it been cold, it's warmed up again here today but the forecast looks mixed. Hard to believe we're into December, the year has flown by.

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    1. It has turned very chilly but I like that the weather is more seasonal. I just wish it would snow on Christmas day :)

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  5. I enjoyed your lovely snow photos. There is nothing like a walk! I rarely have someone throwing snowballs at me, but I do enjoy the fresh air, the exercise, and the feeling at the end of a walk that I have found myself again.

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    1. Thank you, Jean. The hill on the third photograph was where we were meant to be walking. Perhaps next weekend if the weather allows. X

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  6. We didn't get much snow here at all and what we had was gone by yesterday afternoon and it's been raining since then. I always find it odd that grey skies and snow on bare bare branches make photos look almost black and white. I love the shot with the gate and signpost, it looks lovely there :)

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    1. The snow has all gone from here now, but it was lovely while it lasted. X

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  7. Love your photos Jules, so atmospheric. We didn't get any snow in our little corner of Scotland - too near the sea and gulf stream. We cut the grass yesterday as it is still growing like mad. I am actually glad December is upon us now and I am at the stage where if it gets done for Christmas it does but if not, no matter!

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    1. Thank you, Viv. I try not to stress too much about Christmas these days. I expect it will be another quiet one for us. X

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  8. Oh, it all looks so pretty from the warmth of my home! So much like what winter is supposed to look like! Looks like Lily enjoyed her walk! :)

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    1. Fortunately, Lily was wearing her salopettes, so she stayed nice and warm. X

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  9. Your photos are beautiful - you've captured the snow in a way that makes me look to see whether you've processed them to black & white, but you haven't 😊, well done.

    As for being target practice, dare I say you should have run away faster? 😝 ❄️ 🤪

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    1. Thank you, Jayne. It was a beautiful, serene morning - snowballs aside :)

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  10. Beautiful photos and love the splash of colour from Lily's jacket. No snow here just foul wet and very, very windy weather. Sounds like Lily had lots of fun, did you return any snowballs in her direction?

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    1. I probably should have done but my aim is pretty poor compared to Lily's :)

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  11. I absolutely love your photos Jules. Glad you and Lily were able to enjoy you snowy walk :)

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    1. Thank you, Beverley. I do love a snowy day. X

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  12. Lovely photos, so peaceful and tranquil looking. It's December, forget Xmas, irt's my birthday this month - let the partying begin! xxx

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    1. Now that is definitely something worth celebrating. Xx

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  13. Lovely to see your beautiful snowy photographs, you could make wonderful Christmas cards from the scenes :)

    All the best Jan

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    1. Thank you, Jan. I love to see snowy scenes on Christmas cards. X

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