This Week

 Monday

We walked at Trentham as we usually do at least once a week.

We walked around the lake and then up through the gardens.  Festive displays had arrived but I'll show those in a later post.

There were three female pheasants down by the lake.  I managed to photograph one of them, they were well camouflaged.

The beavers have been busy.   Not seen them yet.

 Tuesday

The snow came quietly and softly overnight

Above and below - photos taken around 8a.m. from our bedroom window of the back garden.

 The now leafless Tulip Tree covered in snow

 Wednesday

Was a stay at home snow day.  I'm so glad there were no medical appointments this week. I had a hospital appointment last week and have another appointment next week. There was no pressure to be out and about as the roads up here on our little hill seem worse than further down towards town. The snow takes twice as long to melt. The main roads were gritted.  Ironing done. 

Thursday

A walk on the Brampton in Newcastle-under-Lyme and a visit to a local art exhibition in the Museum.

To me this seemed like the coldest day of the week.  Both leaves and snow crunched underfoot.

The Open Art and Craft exhibition featuring local artists is on show until 22nd December.

Friday

Another walk this time at Westport Lake followed by lunch at Middleport Pottery.

The frozen ponds near the large lake.

One of the shops on the first floor.  Tables were set with different designs.

Hot and delicious Cauliflower and Broccoli soup.

Middleport Pottery and Museum is a short walk from Westport Lake down the canal.
 

Today, Saturday another stay at home day keeping out of the way of the storm which seems to have arrived here.  I can hear the rain on the conservatory roof and the wind rattling the door knocker on the front door. Reading A Refiner's Fire by Donna Leon, her latest Commissario Brunetti mystery set in Venice and listening to Max Richter's recomposition of Vivaldi's Four Seasons.  Spring is so very beautiful.

Take care, stay safe and warm. Have a good weekend.