Snow Time

Another day off work. My holidays are running low pretty quick but who cares right!!! Heavy snow falls are scarce in Coventry and when they do turn up, I am not one to complain. My colleagues think I’m loco to like this stuff so much :-).

I didn’t planned not going to work, honestly.  Benzy was warming up and I’m already dressed but the snow was getting heavier. We looked at each other and decided, u-huh, not working today. The roads won’t be gritted, traffic will be slow and hazardous and I’ll arrive late. Babe will take much longer to arrive home and then he has to do it again in the evening. So there…

Outside, Mr. Hood is enjoying his breakfast. I wonder where the others are? Our regular customers are collared doves, wood pigeons, blue tits, starlings, wrens, magpies, dunnocks, blackbirds and squirrels (!). I know they are common birds but they brought a lot of joy to our lives. Babe even saw a pied wagtail.

So what do you do when it’s snowing? We went to our favourite playground and make a snow angel!!! We were the first visitor and everywhere was pristine white and fluffy. Babe picked the thickest spot and here I was laying in the snow waving my hands and legs like crazy. Tada…my first snow angel. It was soo cold but fun.

We walked through the winter wonderland admiring the narnia-like scene. We checked the hides overlooking the frozen lakes. Only a handful of coots, terns and ducks were brave enough to withstand the freezing cold.  At Carlton Hide, this handsome bullfinch was feeding very close to the hide. What a joy to watch.

I have been getting my money’s worth from my snow-boots. I have been wearing it everyday since we’d the snow. During my lunch break, I braved the cold winds and frozen footpaths, trampling in the snow, dressed and looking like the Michelin-man, armed with a camera. I could not understand why anyone wants to be stuck indoors?

I would always carry a bag of bread for the natives. I often throw the pieces of bread on to the frozen lake and enjoy their version of dancing on ice. This pied wagtail was often seen hunting for scraps among the snow. And if you look up, among the bare branches, a lone mistle thrush can often be seen either asleep or puffed up, trying to keep warm.

After the walk, I come into the office with a red, runny nose, red cheeks but ready to face anything. The fresh air clears the cobwebs and fingers-crossed, the walk keeps me fit and healthy. Sitting in a heated office facing the PC of for 7.5 hours is a seriously, hazardous occupation :-).

I do hope you’re enjoying the snow as much as I do…