Well. it's been bitterly cold with plenty of ice but very little snow up to now this winter. In fact, what ever snow is on the ground around here anyway, is the first to fall this year. Up to now, we have had a mild winter and the pictures I have presented below are the worst it has been this year so far. It would be nice to have some snow if it was only for the pleasure of taking pictures of it. There won't be much movement on the canal today because everying is frozen up and the canal is nothing but one sheet of ice. The pleasure craft that I saw sunken two days ago, on the far bank near the Crooke Hall Inn, although floating again, looks like it might be sinking again. I'll have a look the next time we walk past it?

I did manage to catch a Sparrow giving it what for on the roof of the pub and a flight of Geese as they gaggled their way towards Shevington.

So here below, is what Crooke looked like this morning as I captured it. As there is not a lot of news to post, I thought I would make up for the lack of that with some extra pictures of our presently sad village. I did see some Crocus out but unfortunately, I ran out of battery before I could capture them. I'm sorry I cannot show Crooke always in a favourable state but things are looking up because spring is just around the corner. My snowdrops are out and my Daffs are not too far behind. The trees and bushes are budding so it wont be long now. In the mean time, wrap up well when you venture out and if you can't get warm inside, try putting on another pullover or cardigan or better still, wrap yourself up in a nice warm duvet or blanket and snuggle up to the fire. I think it time for a nice hot cuppa, what say you?