Postcard from a snowy world

Well, it's no surprise at this time of year to see snow. We have seen more than usual although less than some parts of the world. In general services have continued to run with little delay (for which an immense thank you, especially to Yorkshire Coastliner).The worst aspect of the snow was the avalanche last weekend when all the snow on the roof fell off in one enormous, thundering crash, burying the newly cleared path, but fortunately not hitting anyone who migth have been at the door and therfore underneath the considerable quantity of debris.

Just as the snow and compacted ice had nearly cleared and the black ice was running out of puddles to freeze, just as the snow melt from the moors was causing the Derwent to overflow its banks, just as the Ouse in York, frozen across its entire width at Lendal Bridge, started to flow again, just as all this happened, it started to snow again this afternoon.

Those cheery Christmas carols are wearing a bit thin. I have never been so stressed about getting ready for the the festivities. In KM Towers we do Christmas big. Birthdays, not so much. Christmas, huge. And this year the weather has conspired to prevent me from preparing adequately. The grocery deliveries failed two weeks running leaving me confused as to what food was in and what I still need to buy. As for shopping for presents, I have avoided doing on-line shopping for the most part due to the uncertainty of deliveries (currently anxiously awaiting the few mail-ordered presents but still hopeful, and relieved I didn't order more this way). Yesterday's trip into Malton ticked off most of the remaining stocking fillers. which was a huge relief; now for the final grocery delivery on Tuesday and then I can start baking. However, if it fails me I doubt I can manage to pick up everything in Malton (my arms are not strong enough to manage it all on the bus) so we might not get all the treats I had planned.

None of this represents the end of the world. So long as my family manage the journey home over the next few days, and we can be together, actually I don't really mind. I would prefer to have the gifts and the food and the treats, but they are the trimmings, after all.  And of that sounds unbearably twee, so be it. Ha[[y Christmas to you!