The world outside is whiter than ever. I looked at the thermometer on the shed at 8.30 this morning. -15. Hardly surprising everything is so white. Soon I'm putting out a few cranberries left over from Christmas & some cheese rind onto the stoop. I return inside into the warmth. As I turn to lock the door behind me, I see Mr Robin has already arrived, ready to tackle the cheese. He really loves it.

Then I turn to warming us up. Despite doing a big shop yesterday, we're still having everyday sort of food. Today is going to be pasties. I've just switched the oven off having made & baked them, so they will only need warming up this evening. The idea of a plateful of wholegrain mustard mash (a speciality of the Fox), a piping hot pasty, a few sprouts & lashings of gravy appeals - warm & filling comfort food. I've also brought a bottle of red wine across from the garage to warm up in time for dinner. It seems to take all day to warm up, it's so cold across the way.