It's the last day of January as I write this post.
I have had no fondness for the month of January for most of my adult life but don't ever remember dreading it as a child. My journey to school involved two short bus rides, changing buses at Cromford both going and coming back. I remember occasionally having to walk the two miles home from Cromford if the connecting bus had given up in the snow. What an adventure that was, trudging through the snow and walking into the house frozen stiff in our duffle jackets over school blazers, feet soaked through. If Mum was ever worried I never knew, life was tough for all of us in the 1960's. The best part was drinking steaming bowls of Heinz vegetable soup in front of the coal fire as we thawed out.
I do remember some really bad winters in Derbyshire. Snow up to my knees against the back door (my knees were nearer to the ground then of course, but even so) and having to dig our way out of the house to get coal in from the coal house. But of course good snow meant sledging!! All the kids in the village headed on mostly home made sledges for a field which was called "Dick Riddings". It wasn't until much, much later in life that I even questioned that a field should have the name of a person. One day I might find out who Dick Riddings was!
Tomorrow it will be February and I'm not too fond of that either. What a shame that we write off two months of the year every year, wishing our lives away. Still, February is only twenty eight days long this year and it will therefore soon be March and that's Spring in my book.
We spent a couple of winters in our house in France and whilst they were a lot of work - keeping two log fires going to keep the house warm - and rather dull - nothing much happens in rural France in February, I don't remember them being particularly hard.
February tomorrow and already I’m looking forward to March, even in Italy where the weather is not so bad winter drags on. I blame the the wretched virus for us all wishing our lives away but we have to keep hoping for better times.
ReplyDeleteWe used to dream of renting a villa in Spain for winter. Our friends who live there messaged me to say it was 20°C and they were gardening!
DeleteI confess that this January is particularly hard. We would normally have undertaken a long haul trip before or over the Christmas season, breaking up the British winter with its awful weather and long dark nights and then followed it with a walking trip amongst the crisp frost and snow of the Langdale Valley in the Lake District. Sitting it out at home amongst the mud just isn't the same, no matter how many walks you take.
ReplyDeleteThe walks close to home are hard work at the moment, too much mud, too many other people using them and it's hard to stay distanced on narrow paths.
Delete"nothing much happens in rural France in February"
ReplyDeleteTrue.... I've always said that France is closed in February!
Tim, I remember thinking that February in France was a good time to concentrate on hobbies or take up new ones - as long as they involved being nice and cosy indoors by the wood burner!
DeleteIt's 15ºC here this afternoon. A late spring or early autumn day. But it's very wet. You're really not missing much.
DeleteKen, it's 2°C here, grey and overcast, with about 2" of slushy snow. Not enough snow to be a major problem, just enough to make life difficult, especially on foot when there is mud underneath. A typical Derbyshire winter's day.
DeleteDarling Jean,
ReplyDeleteLife is far too short to write off two months of the year.
Without a doubt, the past year in all its months has been extremely challenging, but it has provided opportunities for reflection and joy in the details and small pleasures that life brings.
Spring is just around the corner. The signs are everywhere and they really do lift the spirits. So, stay positive and keep on keeping on. All will be well.
Jane and Lance, how lovely to see you back! We have missed you!
DeleteIf it is any consolation, you are not alone in finding Jan and Feb a drag. The Hattatts are working their old spells again too.
ReplyDelete