Snow

The snow, although pretty to look at is a real pain. I feel like I have been trapped in the house for days. I have tried to get out but their is very little I can do outside with everything covered in snow and the road out of the crescent is sheet ice at the moment.

I did manage to go out on the bike on Monday. I needed to go to the bank in Bideford so rather than driving I decided to cycle. It was really hard going and made me realise that all the effort I made getting fitter earlier in the year is rapidly being undone. The cycle was good though and it was wonderful to see all the snow everywhere. The views in this part of the world are so wonderful all year round with the rolling hills and views out to sea. Anyway I did learn two valuble lessons. Firstly when cycling in the snow make sure you have water proof foot ware as after the first mile my feet were soaking wet and by the time I had done twenty miles there were frozen solid and I couldn't feel the pedals. The second lesson is avoid the icy bits as it is a bit hairy slidding all over the road but at least I didn't fall off and I did manage to get there and back. Other than the frozen feet it was an exhilarating cycle.

Foolishly we braved the supermarket in the week with the two little ones. We parked alright but I should have realised it was going to be bad when there were no trollies. We finally managed to find one and then had a tortuous shop with William screaming the whole time. I think next Christmas I will do the food shop without little ones in tow.

Tomorrow should be good though, the little ones first real white Christmas and I am really looking forward to the little ones opening their presents. Then of course there will be a trip down the Green Dragon for my first pint of Rattler this leave.

Day At The Zoo

Well as you can see by my lack of updates and moans about the world I have escaped the ship and am now back on leave. I feel shattered already and have only been home 10 days. The little ones have been up every night so it is hard to get a full nights sleep. I really don't know how Debbie has managed to stay sane for the last four months what with lack of sleep and daily bouts of Cbeebies.

This weekend we took the little ones to the Zoo to see the animals and Santa. On arrival we walked around in circles trying to find the big cats. The tigers hid at the back of the enclosure but the lions came right up close which was great. Little Elizabeth got all excited pointing at them and started going 'eow' as she hasn't quite got the M for meow yet.

Most of the animals were hiding away as it was a bit cold but we did see some of the apes around which always give good pictures.

After having a look at the animals we took the little ones to see Santa. We had hoped to get some pictures of the little ones with Santa as last year Elizabeth burst into tears. Unfortunately when we went into into Santa's grotto this year Elizabeth took one look at Santa, Screamed and ran out of the Grotto in tears so no pictures this year and little William wasn't much better. I don't know why she is afraid of Santa, I don't think I help matters now as I tell her that if she is naughty Santa will come and visit her. Maybe it will mean cheaper Christmases. Anyway it will be interesting to see what happens tomorrow as I have been roped into dressing as Santa for the kiddy group that Debbie goes to on Wednesdays. I wonder if little Beth will burst into tears or give me a big cuddle?

Finally no trip to the zoo would be complete without a visit to Alexanders relations.