Winter just couldn’t wait its turn and arrived early last week. The temperature plummeted. We couldn’t get to the plot at all. Maybe that isn’t strictly true. It would be more accurate to say we didn’t want to go. We had done quite a lot the previous week so there was nothing that couldn’t wait. We could have done to have harvested some leeks but a quick change of menu sorted that out.
Whatever the weather, Ruby needs her exercise, so we wrapped up warmly and headed out. Ruby was upgraded to her winter coat.
The previous week, our walk around Temple Newsam was impeded by all the activity in preparation for their Northern Lights display, so one of our walks was around the outer edge of the park. It was a route that we hadn’t taken before and finding the pathway, through the thick carpet of leaves, was at times tricky.
On our walks last week most of the people we met were walking their dog. Dogs really do force you out in all weather.
Later that evening we had an early fall of snow. We don’t usually have much snow and certainly not in November.
The snow soon cleared leaving behind patches that were slow to melt.
Ruby didn’t mind the icy snow – it just provided new sniffing opportunities.
One day, we decided to treat ourselves to a pub lunch. More and more places now welcome dogs. No doubt they are trying to attract a wider clientele. 
After lunch, we headed for a chilly Nostell. The snow seems to have caused most of the leaves, that remained on the trees, to lose their grip. Most of the trees are now skeletal.
The surface of much of the lake was frozen so the waterbirds had congregated in ice-free areas. As we approached, the birds seemed to instinctively know that we had food with us, and flocked toward us.
One adult and juvenile swan came a little too close for comfort. Given the chance, they will snatch the bag of seed out of our hands.
As daylight hours diminish, the sun was setting as we headed for the car and home.
During the night, when the heating is set to low, it can become cold and so we bought Ruby a fleecy bed jacket. Maybe some would say we spoil her but we don’t care.
The weekend saw the temperature rise, so instead of snow, we had rain. I hope the weather is helping to break down our lumpy soil.
Finally, one of last week’s meals was a vegetable risotto, into which went some of our Crown Prince squash, garlic, peas, and sweetcorn.
Peas, sweetcorn, onion and garlic were used to make a chicken fried rice dish.
That’s all for this week so as always until next time stay safe, stay warm and stay well
