6.1.10

Snowed in

So, not being owners of even a car (let alone a four-wheel drive) we are snowed in. No gritter comes our way and the Co-op, our only shop, has been stripped. Quite often this is referred to a needless panic buying, but when the only shop for miles is almost empty and the roads to any town are impassable then things take on a different complexion. However, my habit of keeping an overstocked supplies cupboard (often laughingly referred to as my *nuclear supplies*) means that we can keep going comfortably for several days. Though we are being careful with logs and milk. And kibble.
The cats have taken personal umbrage at the disordering of their world and shuffle awkwardly through the garden like small, outraged snowploughs. Yesterday, just as the white heavens opened, I went for a solitary walk across the fields. Today Andy went a-wandering and came back with some splendid photos, such as this robin keeping within close shelter of a Dexter cow. Whether for warmth, or to take advantage of the earth being cleared (and grubs therein) - it was shadowing its large guardian, who seemed a little bemused by the attention.
Far beyond the village, the landscape lies buried and hushed.
And I might be biased, but I think nothing is as lovely as Cotswold stone in the snow.
We'll be fine - I have baked a loaf the size of a small planet.


47 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think we will have to have a competition to see who has the most snow - we had 19 inches in the front garden this morning - then it snowed all afternoon!!! We too are well-stocked, as we live out in the country. As well as the stuff in the freezer and fridge, there is always something in the store-cupboard - even if it's dried pasta and a jar of pasta sauce - it still makes a hot meal!!

d. moll, l.ac. said...

Looks like you'll be OK, but we'll be thinking of you. California seems to think it is summer and we are having fantastic weather. But, honestly, Gretal, "small outraged snow plows"? can I laugh any harder?

Jess said...

I love that photo of the robin with the cow. So THAT's where he went! Your bread looks scrumptious, just the thing for a winter's day :)

Lyn said...

I love this post and the photos. The bread looks yummy too!
Love
Lyn
xxx

rossichka said...

It's a winter fairy-tale! So beautiful, calm, silent and pure... You'll survive, I'm sure.:-) The bread looks very delicious...

Janet Metzger, Artist said...

I agree your stone buildings in the snow are lovely. I have a big pot of split pea soup simmering...your bread would be divine ;-) You have managed to make a UK weather emergency seem magical...many thanks to Andy for braving the elements to capture it all. Stay warm.
your friend,
Janet

Elizabeth Musgrave said...

We are deep in snow here too and I am another who keeps a full pantry and a full freezer and, funnily enough, my response to our snow yesterday afternoon was to bake bread!

Sue said...

It actually sounds rather fun although I hope you don't have to resort to goat's milk again... what is kibble?

jamjar said...

We too, have plenty of the white stuff.Our cats seem conpletely baffled by the snow and have taken to hibernating, whereas Mabel our little terrier loves it even though the snow is higher than she is. baking bread is on my to do next list, the smell of fresh bread seems to add to the magic of it all.

rachel said...

My cats are divided on the subject of snow - the two feral kittens hate going outside in any weather, but the other two love the snow and follow me on my walks, hopping and bounding like the daft young things they are.

Like you, I have a cupboard stocked against the apocalypse, and enough baking supplies to keep an army on the march. It's good to delve into the hoard and to discover what's lurking at the back of the freezer too! Much too much rhubarb....

Your snow looks lovely. And for once, as so little traffic is able to get moving round here, our city snow is staying clean and crisp.

Suze said...

As yet we've only had the bare minimum here and I was able to venture out along our slippery lane (no 4x4 either) to the nearest town, as we haven't got any shops nearer. Now all I need is my husband to get home through other counties snowed in.

That bread looks delicious...and cats with snow are hilarious.

Enjoy your "imprisonment". I know you'll have so much fun...

tlchang said...

The snow looks lovely (I've been re-reading bits of "The Dark is Rising" - which always brings pictures to mind of English countrysides buried in snow. Add a few rooks and it'll be perfect :-).

What's even funnier than cats is letting the chickens out into deep snow. They are light and mostly perch on top - and there is nothing to there to do. Nothing to peck at or scratch. They are at first bewildered and then very very grumpy about it.

Enjoy the hibernation. Hopefully it will all let up enough to restock the store before things get too dire.

xxx

Pam said...

You write so beautifully - and the Cotswolds - aah. If I lived anywhere in England I would like to live there. Or the Lakes. Or Devon.

But right at the moment, Florida has its attractions...

Pen Wilcock said...

:0)

Keep warm!!

coinguyslady said...

Just beautiful!I would love to try the bread...

Soozcat said...

There are many lovely pictures in this post, but to my mind the best of all is the one of Clover sulking through the snow--both for its wonderful color contrast and for the hilarious look of FELINE VEXATION on Clover's face.

Frances said...

Thank you for the snow views from you and Andy.

It is pretty wonderful to see that it might be possible to be snowbound at the beginning of a new year. Over here in this big city, even when a big snow storm hits (like the one that left about a foot of snow in December) the city plows and shovels deal with it a bit too quickly. The magic is scooped away, and the resulting slush has no romance, not a bit.

Glad, though, that you do have enough in your larder, pantry, wherever to see the snow-in through in a somewhat relaxed way.

xo

pinksuedeshoe said...

Those pictures are absolutely gorgeous. There is nothing so magical and serene as mounds of snow (particularly when you have small planets around to ear :O)

Anonymous said...

I love your writing. I laughed my tea out of my nose at the "small, outraged snowploughs."

Having lived in Coastal California all my life, I've never really seen so much snow. Amazing! Thanks for sharing it.

Caroline B said...

Looks like you can match us in Hampshire for snow! Must be tough when you are really in the 'middle of nowhere'. Always sensible to keep a well-stocked cupboard, I learned that from being snowbound every year when living in Athens (yes, Athens - usually a good foot of snow out in the suburbs). Bit silly of people where we are to panic buy as we have 3 major supermarkets all within reasonable walking distance - going to take a hike up there today and have a look at what's going on. I might not be quite so blase about it when I have to carry big tins of dog food home if it hasn't cleared by the weekend!
Enjoy your scrummy-looking bread!

Von said...

It'll be rationing next!

Claire said...

Oh Gretel it looks wonderful although I am sure that's not quite the case when you have to deal with it. Beautiful photos, thanks Andy. I suppose all the cheese was devoured New Year's Eve so there's none to go with the bread! Sending you some warm rays from "Downunder' where we are headed for a warmish 42 deg.on the weekend! Glad you are feeling better Gretel take care of yourself and all the best to you and Andy for 2010.

Decadent Housewife said...

Beautiful and wise to keep a store at home for this weather. Stay warm!

jfidz said...

Happy New Year Gretel.
We too have piles of the white stuff here in Germany but things haven't come to a standstill as they have in Britain - school is still open - drat!!

Unknown said...

Brilliant pictures.. so pretty.. and the robin is definitely looking oportunistic.

Your loaf looks just like the one I just made.. except on taking it out of the oven it started making some unusual crackling noises.. OK, I thought, it must still be cooking, rising, or something. It was the biggest ever, but half an hour later when I looked again, there was a huge crater - there had been a massive air bubble just under the crust! Less planet, more moon! Doh!

BumbleVee said...

Your loaf looks yummy.... I think I'll just bake some bread today too.

The snow pics are great....it is beautiful isn't it? ... I love snow pics....

my pantry cupboards are always well stocked...not that getting to a store around here would be too far even if I had to walk.... but... it is Canada..and big snows happen often...or horrible ice.. and who needs to go out in it? I prefer being prepared ... and then ...stay home and enjoy turning on the oven and making the house smell wonderful with the aroma of fresh baking...

Mlle Miracle said...

The robins are amazing, they are so curious!
Those pictures are amazing, what I like the most is the cow, maybe thinking "who's that little tiny creature... oh,never mind!"
Gretel, maybe next time you'll need a balloon to go shopping!

Twiglet said...

I love the thought of little robin keeping warm near the cow - idea for a story there I think - Know a good illustrator?!!!

Stephanie Roth Sisson said...

WOW! That's looks so totally magical and cozy! Fred and I are both wishing we were there! Maybe one day.

xo

Acornmoon said...

Clever you having supplies in hand,it is so cold here, minus 17 has been recorded! It does look very pretty though.

Jill said...

You have 'painted' a beautiful picture of your corner of the Cotswolds.

mountainear said...

Cotswold stone is beautiful whatever the weather - it glows with warmth - how could anyone be fond of cold old granite given the choice?

No panic buying here, pantry and freezer are stocked. I always think that with flour, oil, onions and tomatoes most things are possible. And a bit of cheese, please.

Yarrow said...

We too are snowed in, but have a very full larder. At last, sceptical husband is glad for my strange hoarding ways :) Even the power lines down didn't affect us too much!

Do take care and I hope you soon get some supplies at the co op. A delivery van somehow made it through to our village, so at least most people here were ok. Fingers crossed for you.x

Sally Townsend said...

PG, we actually have snow here too although nothing as beautiful as you do over there in the UK, what a splendid looking loaf, I'll swop it for a baguette !!

Gail said...

Lovely photos Gretel. Hope you are both keeping warm and safe. xx

natural attrill said...

I love the cow and the robin!
I hope you enjoyed your Christmas time Gretel, and here's wishing you and Andy a Happy New Year.
Penny.
x

Jackie said...

I suppose chains on your bicycle tyres are out of the question?

Gretel said...

Andy rides a motorbike and has a 45 mile commute to the other side of the county, which he has been trying to do, even when it has taken him nearly two hours. Chains for motorbikes don't exist in this country.

Dana and Daisy said...

your snow plow looks like he would enjoy a little warm milk for his "work", if you can spare it.

It seems like the entire world is covered, or at least the half of it where it is winter now.

auntpearl said...

Hope you have lots of hot chocolate available. That bread looks wonderful.
Love the photos your hubby took.
Think of you often. I am trying to purchase your latest from Amazon Uk. We need to get your work to the U.S. faster.

Hugs to you my friend.

Libby said...

Sorry for my lack of visits, due to a few health problems.
Like you I live out in the 'sticks' and have always kept a well stocked cupboard, so have needed surprisingly little. Its amazing how inventive we can get with our meals lol!
Stay safe and warm.

Anonymous said...

I've just been catching up with your Christmas posts - it seems you had a perfect time! A little late, but have a Happy New Year!

I often wonder about animals in the snow - I know many of them are well equipped to survive cold, but I still feel sorry for them. I'd love to know what's going through their heads; I think its likely robin is hoping for grubs too - they're so opportunistic. I heard a tale of a robin in a graveyard (seen at a funeral this winter) that hopped over the freshly dug earth from the grave for worms - a sad, but oddly poignant and beautiful image. I do love animals - your cat looks like quite a determined critter :)

Stay warm!

julie said...

Great pictures Gretel - I bet the Dexter cow wishes her legs were a little longer! Glad that you're keeping warm - the freshly baked bread looks delicious. Hopefully we'll get a little thaw this week!

Anonymous said...

It may not be a 'good' thing to be snowed in...but Oh, how BEAUTIFUL it is! We had snow but only a couple of inches and I had to go to work as usual. I would like to be snowed in for a couple of days and just forget the outside world....
Loved the snowplough kitty photo!

Alison said...

I hope it's a cut and come again loaf!

Jen (emsun.org) said...

That bread looks amazing!

PussDaddy said...

Beautiful! We are expecting 8 inches of snow here in a short bit.
I too agree that the bread looks delicious.

PussDaddy