Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Sun, moon, birds

We made no effort to see the eclipse of the moon this morning – did not expect there to be much chance because of overcast skies– but local radio was taking lots of calls from people who had.

Since it would have involved getting up & dressed very early & climbing the hill to find a vantage point – nothing so simple as just going out in the back garden – there really is no reason to feel bad about it.

Our luck continues to hold with the weather – we have had very little snow & most roads have remained open. Yesterday we had one of those topsy-turvey temperature experiences; bone-achingly cold even at noon, I was glad of a scarf with which to cover my face, then suddenly starting to warm up from about 5pm.

And today so far has been quite beautiful – blue skies & sunshine, not too cold. And there have been astonishing numbers of birds out & about.

The bus driver showed a heartwarming piece of enterprising self help on the way into town. He climbed out of his cab & gathered a couple of handfuls of snow to toss at his windscreen - just so that the wipers had something to help liquidate & clear the accumulated grime.

The setting sun has been blinding, even at three in the afternoon. But since this is the shortest day, we can comfort ourselves with the thought that the days will be getting longer from now on.