The temperature plummeted last week with nighttime temperatures dropping below freezing. Snow was threatened but none fell near to us.
Of course, this caused the inevitable warnings of danger to life for people over a certain age, a category that we both are in. We were warned to stay indoors, as if we ventured outdoors, we may freeze to death. Now I know for some people the cold is health-threatening, but I’m sure these warnings of doom are becoming far more frequent. It seems the powers that be are determined to frighten us to death.
I much prefer the cold, bright days to the warmer, drearier ones.
It was time to dig out the thermals, thicker jumpers, furry-lined hats, and gloves for us and a thicker coat for Ruby and set off to another National Trust property.
Last week, we decided to try somewhere new and set off for East Riddlesden Hall. To be honest, it probably wasn’t the best time to visit as there wasn’t much to see in the garden and, having Ruby, we don’t venture into the houses of the properties that we visit.
Unlike at most of the properties that we visit, there were no walks set out so we didn’t stay long.
There was a large, grassed area where dogs could be let off lead, so Ruby was happy to have a game of chasing her ball. She also gained another stamp on her passport, so just one more to go before she is given a bag of treats.
I seem to remember writing in summer, when we were in the midst of a drought, that once the rain started that our allotment would be unworkable. Our clay soil becomes rock hard during extended dry periods and waterlogged after excessive rain, so there will be little work done for a while.
The path – shown above – that we use on one of our walks looks more like a river than a path.
At Nostell it was more a case of dodging puddles. Ruby is quite good at negotiating puddles, but much of the areas between the puddles were muddy so it was as well that Ruby was due a shampoo and blow dry.
Some puddles were still iced over, but the lake had remained ice free.
The birds were eager to have a share of the food that we had taken with us.
The swans showed who the bosses were by monopolising the prime spot.
The ducks scrapped amongst themselves and the black headed gulls swooped in to grab what they could.
Some fungi had survived the frosty conditions.
We were surprised to see that the cows were still out in the meadow. Ruby never ceases to be fascinated by them, that is as long as they don’t look at her.
Although a few trees are stubbornly hanging on to their leaves, most are now bare, and we can appreciate their skeletal form.
We had a text on Saturday to tell us that another load of manure had been dropped off.
This was well timed as we had planned on a visit to the allotment.
The first job was to move the manure and spread it on one of the beds that had been covered with weed control fabric.
This done we moved on to the planned task of lifting a parsnip. There had been a few frosts which should have enhanced the flavour. The question, as always, was would there be anything below the surface?
This is what we found. The top half of the root was enormous but the bottom half wasn’t as impressive. I wonder whether this was because our efforts with the watering can only penetrated so far down in the ground so all the growth focused on that area.
We only lifted the one parsnip, as there was more than enough for a meal or two. The question now is what will the rest of the roots be like?
That’s all for another week, so as always. until next time stay safe, stay well and stay warm.
I always enjoy seeing what life is like ‘across the pond.’ I love the passport idea. Dollor would love some treats. We have snow now. I would love to get a load of compost. Long ago I got a truckload of buffalo compost. It was the best! Unfortunately the rancher sold his herd.
Just one more stamp before Ruby earns a bag of treats Bonnie. No buffalos here we have to make do with horse deposits.
How quickly the puddles froze, Sue. We haven’t had any ice on the pond yet, but there’s snow already on the ground and it melts occasionally. Ruby has a beautiful coat!
The ice wasn’t there for long Nadezda, and no snow. Ruby’s wardrobe is increasing
It is so good to get out into nature . I think Ruby agrees ! 💐x
Ruby loves to get out, Debbie
Hasn’t it turned cold, we had a smattering of snow but it had melted in no time. It’s due to warm up again this week. I think East Riddlesden Hall was our least favourite of all the ones we’ve visited.
I agree, Jo I don’t think it warrants a return visit