The New Year gang all arrive today, well 5 couples one couple have had to cancel and will arrive tomorrow.

We had a late call from a young couple the other night, they were in Stoke and wanted to come up for one night, they asked about the road conditions and I told them as long as they stayed on the main roads they would be fine, I gave them directions and told them the ferry would not be working.
Then the Sat Nav curse took over, they disregarded all my advice used the Sat Nav and came to the ferry, no ferry, so rang up and asked which way now? so I directed them round to Hawkshead, 30 minutes later they rang "we have just gone over a cattle grid, where are we now???"
It turned out the nice Sat Nav lady told them to turn left at Wray and they carried on through Wray and along the side of Windermere past Strawberry gardens and out near the ferry, not a road but an unmade rough track covered with snow, oh and they had a 10 month old baby with them, they were traumatised by the time they arrived.

28/12/09

No respite from the snow and ice, the main roads are fine but the side roads are terrible, to be honest though you are safer in the car than trying to walk on some of the lanes.

Matthew and Sarah have gone to Harrogate today for a wedding tomorrow, he said no problems on the drive over.





Hill Top, the home of Beatrix Potter


Castle Cottage the "real" home of Beatrix Potter

We had heavy rain overnight but just before dawn the temperature must have dropped below freezing and so all the good work done by the rain was all in vain, there was black ice everywhere and the footpaths in Hawkshead were treacherous.
We have guests arriving so we had to try and make the car park accessible, I had just enlisted Matthew to be in charge of a spade when I spotted neighbour Paul from the farm with his Bobcat, what a result he shifted the snow in no time at all, brilliant, thanks Paul.

26/12/09

Merry Christmas to everyone, we had a great day yesterday and we actually had snow falling on the big day, so with lots of lying snow as well we have had a bonefide "white christmas"

Matthew, Sarah, Helen and myself had a walk up to Moss Eccles today, lots and lots of snow and hard walking but it makes you feel better getting a bit of fresh air and some exercise after the eating and small amount of drinking on the previous day.

I took these pictures in Hawkshead this morning, they have been clearing the snow but the sqaure is still a bit slippy underfoot.

Matthew and Sarah arrived home for Christmas, they were unsure about the weather so made an early start, as it turned out the roads were fine with no holdups so they made good time, the last leg up the dub lane was out of the question in Matthews car so they went round by Hawkshead

23/12/09

A welcome change from Arctic type photos this bunch of roses Helen bought the other day and in our conservatory at home, stunning!!!!

Lots more snow pictures from Sawrey, it has been dry and sunny all day, the road to Hawkshead has been cleared but is very slippy in places with patches of black ice.
We had a walk up to Moss Eccles this afternoon and the snow is even deeper up there.








Stoney Lane looks like the cresta run!





Two shots of Moss Eccles Tarn with a covering of ice.

On our walk the other day we happened to notice Mr McGregor Mk2 in his new employment.



His transport looks a bit lacking in horse power.

Yet more snow, we managed to get into Kendal for the final christmas shopping, the roads were bad around the village but once we got to the main roads it was ok. The footpaths in Kendal however were lethal.

As promised some pictures of last nights 90th birthday celebration for Alan, his birthday is on Christmas eve.



Anthony and the staff at the Tower Bank Arms put on a fantastic spread, the cake was in the shape of a bottle of Alans favourite tipple and I believe was made by Judy.



Alan and Judy, choosing from the buffet.

21/12/09

Left to right, Helen, her mum Margaret, Ann and Sheila.



Alex, Jimmy, Gary, Graham and George.



Nicola and birthday boy Alan.

21/12/09

Denise, Gary, Elizabeth and Gillian.




Helen and local celeb George the crooner.



Graham and Jimmy



Judy, Roger,Ann and Alan.

It was a great night and thanks once again to Anthony and all the staff for putting on a great night, they did Alan proud.

20/12/09

I know we are not the only place in the country with snow but when the sun comes out just as the snow stops I think it is hard to beat for picture postcard scenery.
We took these pictures on the way down to Hawkshead for the Sunday papers, the paper shop was closed when we got there but with these views you can hardly call it a wasted journey!!!

Tonight at the Tower Bank Arms There is a 90th birthday celebration for Alan B one of the oldest Sawrey residents who has lived in the village all his life, I will take the camera and hopefully get some good pictures.