Alas - it looked as though there was going to be significant snow - I was thinking of 20 ft long snow dinosaurs - and then, just when it was looking very good with a forecast of a sharp frost tonight - it all went slushy in the late afternoon and began to flow away, taking what salt there was left with it into the gutters.

Then it froze. My older offspring was sent home from work early, but the usually ten minute drive took two hours, as this area is built over several ridges, and roads were blocked by cars sliding down one side hitting those unable to climb up the other.

Now there are cars creeping along outside, sounding like someone crushing cockroaches into cornflakes, and it is really cold. I brought in some cooking oil from the conservatory over two hours ago and it is still solid.

Ah well - at least it is the weekend and many people have arranged to have a few days off work next week.

Anne the Pleater