Gott Nytt År [Happy New Year] Everyone.

It’s looking beautiful here at Alledal; we had our first real snow of the winter on New Years Day. The temperature dropped, yesterday was the first day of the New Year that was above freezing. The cold winds coming in from the Baltic made it feel even colder, wind adjusted the temperature here has been as low as -11°C. It’s the kind of weather that makes you want to curl up somewhere with a hot drink. Of course that’s just not possible. The animals still need attention despite the weather and so our routine remained the same.

Well my wish has come true and the rain that had been plaguing us for the last couple of weeks has finally gone. It’s been getting colder over the last couple of days and the temperatures are set to drop further as we get closer to the weekend. It’s a welcome return to the sort of weather more typical of the time of year, there’s an even chance of snow for christmas too.

It’s raining outside, cats and dogs. There is a quagmire where the paths used to be, and the animals and I are stuck inside as we have been for most of the week. The barn looks like a disaster area and my brain feels like one too. I’ve lost count the number of times the dog towels have been put through the washing machine and trying to keep the hall floor free of muddy paw prints has become a never ending task.

Today would have been Matthew’s 31 birthday. I choose today to remind all those who read my pages how far we have come and how much further we still have to go.