Himself and I, with our dog Tess, took a run out to Hillsborough Forest this morning. It was a beautiful, sunny, albeit cold day so we wrapped up well. When we came down to the lake, I was surprised and delighted to see that it was frozen over. I don't think I've ever seen a huge expanse of water frozen like this. It was lovely. Unfortunately, I had left my handbag in the boot of the car so couldn't take any pictures. I gazed at the lake for ages; the bright winter sun was reflecting on the ice and there must have been about 3 dozen swans and some cygnets slipping and sliding. There were hundreds of small birds in the distance, also standing on the frozen lake. We walked on further and met loads of other dog walkers, mainly with Schnauzers. Tess was delighted to meet her own kind and jumped about excitedly, sniffing and playing. That's 2 walks she's had so far today but no doubt she'll be looking for her evening one later. It's good to get out.

I thought Lord and Lady Downshire might have been interested in this posting. However, I forgot that himself and herself are probably languishing on a tropical isle somewhere in the sun. Well for some.