Sunday 12th January 2025

Not just cold.

But colder.

The hoar frost was so thick that it looked like it had snowed overnight.

But it was going to be a clear, sunny but bitterly cold day.

I take a shot out of the office window as dawn's light and the valley all in shadow.

We ramped the heating up, and waited for the house to warm up and RadMac to start at eight.

After a shower, Jools went for a walk, and with her out I also had a shower, washed up and vacuumed the living room. I bailed on the walk as the cough has returned for me, and I lapse into an angry dog impression a few times a day.

Other than that, I was fine

So, we agreed to drive to Folkestone and visit our long-time friend, Mary, which is still recovering from her broken leg.

Originally, we had planned to go out for coffee of lunch, but the harsh frost meant there was a late change. Instead Mary would cook and we would bring milk.

So it was we drove down what I hoped would be the frosty Alkham Valley where I was hoping to get shots, but the sun was warmer than it seemed and had melted all frost not in shadow, and the valley sides look green and lush.

So we drove on.

Into Folkestone and along the Cheroton, turning down one of the many terraced line streets, now also lined with parked cars: quite how dustcarts or fire engines would get down them is another matter. And with cars parked at junction give way signs, views along the road you wanted to turn into was almost impossible.

But we found a place to park near her house, and we slivered to her front door and were let in.

We had coffee and caught up on news, before cauliflower soup was warmed up and cheesy bread grilled.

Very nice.

Come two, we made our excuses and drove back, up the A20 this time back home before the dark and hoar frosts returned.

I make a brew and we have some chocolate, then I join Scully on the sofa for football.

Arsenal played host host to Man Utd, and was a good game with Utd playing well, and leading until they had a player sent off. Arse levelled almost straight away, but then missed a penalty, and so it was a case if the Arse could find a goal, or Utd not run out of puff.

It ended 1-1, and as there are no replays now, then came extra time and penalties, which Utd won, their young keeping saving one of the Gunner's spot kicks.

We have supper of rolls filled with cured Spanish meat washed down with porter or cider.

And so, another weekend drew to an end.