Snow, Glorious Snow, in the Lakes.

Another few days of proper weather and although the forecasters warned us last week that the Siberian freeze was on its way, somehow it has come as a little surprise. After all we had had a week or so of bright,mild temperatures, the snowdrops were past their best and Spring appeared on the horizon. But the cold winds have cast a blanket of crisp, white powder not just on the hills, but everywhere.

Strangely the south of the country seems to be the hardest hit and whilst it causes all sorts of disruption: school closures, traffic congestion and power failures, up here the snow is beautful. Perhaps we are more used to the cold and snow so the disruption never seems so marked, but perhaps the beautiful scenery makes the frustrations easier to bear. When we opened the shutters this morning my son was joyful. Maybe the school might not open today. The dog likewise was pleased at the prospect of snow play. It won’t last long. I think this must be the last really cold spell of this Winter and then we can welcome Spring.

The seasons are cathartic. Winter is often a time for reflection and then Spring is a time for looking forward and a time for hope; the expectation of what is to come. The highs are highlighted by the depths of the lows. Hopefully 2018 will be a great year and wher better to enjoy it than the Lake District.