Winter Wonderland

This morning is stunning. I have woken up to a totally frosty morning with temperatures of minus 5 degrees celsius so when I say frosty I mean the large serrated crystals on the grass, on the branches and even on the barbed wire fences. Beautiful does not come close.
I think it is obvious that I am a stranger in a deeply Celtic land that I am wrapped up to the eyes with my comfortable hat with super long scarf that I knitted just to do the school run and yet not all the other children, or should that be young people, do not even have on coats; they are just that hardy. One difference I have noticed between the primary aged children down South and the children up here is the fashion for brand named things. South of the border the fad is for the trainers, hats and sweat tops whereas up here it is for Camelbaks and buffs but then the outdoor activities are a bit different too.
Now my oldest munchkin is in secondary school I have the pleasure of the school run to the big bus and as I leave her at the stop I can't help but think that they look like a police line up of teenage angst and ennui as they stand, steadfastly not saying a word to each other, against the fence.
A daft but totally understandable highlight of my week has been discovering that my local craft shop has started running weekly craft and chatter sessions at the one time I can ever get there. I am so stupidly happy with this and now vow to keep my Wednesday mornings free. The Christening shawl I am knitting at the moment is going so slowly I think I should hail a TARDIS and knit there, in between all the aliens and weird events that is. I must persevere as I have 6 weeks to finish it and make a second one. Er...Doctor??

Yesterday I cooked lamb shanks in the slow cooker for the first time ever and was quite pleased with how it came out particularly as the exercise regime has started and the sensible eating is being eased in; one lamb shank turned out to be effective portion control with some butternut squash and cannellini beans that my OH actually liked (yay!).
We went for a long walk through the woods last weekend and it was brilliant to be walking the way I did when I was little; exploring, climbing and with that degree of uncertainty instead of using the super grown up manicured paths in some woodland walks. We hunted for as many tree saplings as we could, avoided muddy bits, got a little scratched, admired the view and generally had a great time which is how weekends should be instead of sitting indoors glued to our technology although saying that I have a few chores to do before I enjoy the frozen scenery from the warm side of the glass.

Hugs from Haggis Land

Jx