Ice & frost

 We've had a few very frosty mornings this week. In fact, the frost and ice has lasted all day because the temperature hasn't got much above freezing. I love frost! I also love snow, but we haven't had much snow for the last few winters. I try to make myself go outside when it's frosty, even if it's just for a little wander around the garden. Frost and ice makes everything look so beautiful, and peaceful, all the plants and the trees look almost fairytale-like.

I feel like I have to make the most of this - the frosty, icy crystals everywhere. It doesn't usually last long. To be honest, I worry that because our winters are generally getting milder and wetter due to the warming climate, there may come a time when we don't see it anymore. It's a really upsetting thought. I worry that by the time my son is an adult, frosty mornings will be a thing of the past. I hope he has some memories of them. 

My point is, everyone should try to go out and see all the beauty when it is this cold. Maybe even take some photos, if you get a chance. Make the most of the icy crunch under your feet. Enjoy it, while it lasts.

Busy night in the garden

 Despite the ice and heavy frost we've had for the last few days (no snow yet though), the wildlife has been very busy in our garden. Last night, I shone a torch out of our window, as I wanted to see if there was any sign of snow (there was not). However, I did see the little mouse running out from under the hedge and on to the lawn. It stopped for a couple of seconds and stood very still, the ran back under the hedge. Obviously, the icy ground was a bit too cold to stand around on for too long. 

About five minutes later, I looked out of the window again to see a fox, with a very bushy tail, go under our fence and run across the field. It was carrying a reasonably large, dead creature in it's mouth. It was too dark to see what the dead thing was, which I'm sort of glad about. I'm not sure I want to know what the fox had just killed. It's good to know that the fox is still around though, and that it still comes into our garden.

Shortly after that, two badgers arrived and snuffled around on the lawn for a while, just outside the window. I think it's the same two that come back to the garden quite often.

(Slightly blurry badger picture, as it was taken on the phone!)

The mouse made a few more brief appearances in various places around the garden, but I failed to get a photo of it. It's far to quick!