1 February - Snowing.

After a few largely ueventful days of snow we can pass on some photos we have received showing snow-based creativity in action (photo, left - click for enlargement).

Comments joanna - February 2nd, 2016 I seem to have a good inch of snow flakes covering my study floor. Clever graphics!!! Norah - February 3rd, 2016 I was very sad to hear about Fudge, always so welcoming & affectionate. Katie-- I am so sorry you have to give up swimming, knowing how brilliant you have been. However, it may mean there is something very challenging just waiting for you. Did you enjoy the Ball? Winter here is not as dramatic as yours but it has been pretty awful, have nearly been blown over by the wind twice, found myself with my arms round a (mercifully) stationary car last week. I spent Christmas in Colwyn Bay & could not get home on Boxing Day as the A55 was a river. joanna - February 5th, 2016 Are you now snowed in or locked out by the tunnel gang?

7 February - Happy 16^th birthday to Katie!

Comments Norah - February 6th, 2016 Happy Birthday Katie. Joanna - February 7th, 2016 Happy Birthday Katie!! I pray you can do what ever you have planned inspire of snow and tunnel

18 February - We abandoned Rome in favour of the Lutherans. We're spending half term in NE Germany, where we have explored both inland villages and the island of Usedom (whose endless sandy beaches were deserted at this cold time of year). As often happens, several of our experiences have bordered on the bizzarre. We had to leap out and photograph the road sign ("Rom", by the way, really does mean "Rome", but Lutheran has had its name, give or take a bit of spelling, since the 14th century, which spoils it rather) and for good measure we include a photograph of bread and dripping which was served as a starter in a restaurant with the finest collection of plastic flowers and assorted nick-nacks you've ever seen lined up along a window ledge. The town with the restaurant (Waren, on the shores of Lake Müritz) was lovely, though (last 3 photos — click right for picture series). And we've enjoyed some brilliant sunshine and generally above-freezing temperatures; and most of all spending some much-needed time together without thinking about all the things that need doing.

21 February - back home and at work, after a good journey and smooth ferry crossings!

An evening on the beach just by Sola airport.

27 February - beautiful weekend for a little skiing close to the Ørsdalen tunnel (click picture, left).

We're enjoying the new warmth of the sun and that special time of year when the sun is glistening on the snow, reminding us that spring is on the way. The webcam in the car picked up a bit of that early-spring feeling on the way home from Sandnes yesterday: you can watch a few snippets of the journey here.

Comments Norah - March 3rd, 2016 I have enjoyed the drive to Orsdalen today, it was lovely. Tim - March 3rd, 2016 Yes, it was a pleasure to drive!