Day 28: The snow's coming

Not here of course, although a 'flurry' is possible pretty much any day. The picture shows Exile #3 on Saturday climbing the 'tree' that she and Exile #4 had created by sticking fallen branches into a pile of snow cleared from the drive. There has not been enough snow to challenge the normal winter clearance systems here so far (although other nearby areas have had some big falls). The roads have been clear except for during falling snow and in the early-hours of cold nights following warm days. Salt is remarkably ubiquitous, coating not only roads, but vehicles and, often, people as well. On several occasions I have had to rub a thick layer off the car headlights after wondering if they had stopped working. Suddenly the road-signs in ecologically sensitive areas of 'Reduced Salt Zone' make sense (having seen them only in the spring and summer before), not only because it is clear that all this salt can't be good for sensitive plants, but also that if salt has not been used (or only used sparingly) that could have a very significant effect on driving conditions.

Today, both Exile #3 and Exile #2 visited their separate doctors (for an immunisation and a check-up respectively), Exile #3 was reportedly very brave, but it was Exile #4 who caused the real splash when she accompanied her mother. She was deemed 'extremely cute' and the ladies in the waiting room were apparently trying to get her to say things after asking "Does she have an English accent too?" I don't know what they mean.

No, the snow is coming to the homeland where chaos will no doubt descend. Time to break out the Saxa.