As cold as Bastogne

My hubby loves anything to do with World War 2, and one of his favorite programs is the excellent "Band of Brothers". My title refers to the episode in which "Easy Company" are in Bastogne in Belgium mid battle, in foxholes in the forest in freezing cold temperatures with little or no medical supplies and totally inadequate clothing. At the end of the episode, one of the American soldiers who actually fought in the battle explains that whenever it is really really cold, he says to his wife that it is " As cold as Bastogne". It is one of the most tense pieces of television that I have ever seen. This morning, in South Yorkshire, it was as cold as Bastogne.

My New Years Resolution for 2010 (as every year) is to lose 2 stone, except this year, I really am setting goals in order to achieve this. One thing I plan on doing, is walking home from work (about a 2 hour walk - it takes 15 mins in the car!!) as often as possible. In order to do this, I have to get a lift there in the morning (but I think in Summer, I may walk both ways.). The main problem is that all the routes are either on a very busy dual carriageway (with no pavement - suicide!!) or through very lonely lanes and woods - so I have to do this when hubby can walk to meet me (it only takes him 1 hour 5 mins - he has very long legs and mine are very short).
On Monday, before the huge snowfall, we did the walk. Come along with me.

As you can see it was a great afternoon. One walk takes me past this church.


With its lovely Lych Gate. The Church is in a very remote spot. I suppose it wasn't always so. Several of my very ancient relatives are buried here (according to my mother) but they have no headstones as they were a very poor bunch. I'll have to get to have a look at the records one day.

As we neared home, the sky was a very striking shade of pink.

I thought this photo of the lane that we walked down illustrates how deceptive blogland can be. Who wouldn't want to live in this gorgeous little cottage with its smoking chimney and delightful garden? Well me, I wouldn't live here if you paid me. Why? I couldn't get a decent picture to illustrate this, but the M1 runs straight through its back garden! About 50 yards from the house. Whilst it may look idyllic, the noise is incredible.

One thing I am making the most of, is my precious slow cooker. On Monday, I left a piece of rolled Brisket cooking away all day. Today it was Chilli. Great for me, as I am at work slaving over a hot computer all day, but torturous for anyone left in the house with the delicious smells wafting around.

I did also walk home yesterday - a different way, but no photos as I was concentrating on staying upright - the snow was up to my knees!! I am really enjoying not using the car.