Like this:

Something odd about global warming. Results here so far a summer that consisted mostly of rain [that probably fits the expectations] and was so unrecognisable as summer that the three pet sheep didn’t get shorn this year, and now a real old fashioned winter. Ever since I first got snowed in at Bodyfuddau I have taken precautions every winter — good supply of food for me and livestock, plenty of logs and also candles in case the electric goes off at the same timer as the snow. All these have been important during several winters and I survived well, but those episodes lasted about three days. Locals kept telling me about the times when one would be snowed in for 6 weeks and have to walk to the village along snow covered stone walls. Until this year this assumed in my mind the form of a legend of ancient times. Now I believe it. Beatiful sunshine illuminates the snow, which has diamond ice crystals where during a usual few days of snow slush would gradually take over. But now, with temperatures at night more suited to Russia, the snow remains pristine, even in the field where the dogs go to play ball, and it is sprinkled all over with diamonds. To look at it is lovely, but I am so cold. At the moment I am sitting at my computer right next to a night storage heater wearing three swaeters, woolen skirt and several layers of thermal underwear and, to top it all, mittens.  The dogs can’t go for a run as the car won’t manage the lane and I can’t walk any proper walkies length. So we go in the field with a ball; they have great fun and I freeze. This is very energetic but doesn’t tire inexhautible collies. So they nag me all the time for more.

At Christmas the situation was borderline, partly because the council actually gritted our lane on Christmas Eve. I’d missed my last appontment with the doctore because of snow just prior to that so gradually ran out of assorted medication so had to brave the lane on the 5th for another appointment and long wait at chemists while they filled a big bag for me. I sat there wondering fearfully if I would get back up the lane as it was now snowing hard. In the event I did get back by the skin of my teeth. And that was it; no more going out.

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