2nd February
Woke up at 6.30am to a winter wonderland! The trees in the drive leading up to the Manor were covered in snow. Soon the ’phone was ringing - had we heard, school was cancelled for the day? After the 10th call, I was looking for instructions on how to set a new answerphone message, when Spencer appeared in his Nanook of the North outfit brandishing a snow brush big enough to clear snow off an articulated lorry. Due to his ear muffs, hat and hood, he couldn’t hear anything that was being said to him, but it soon became clear that he intended trying to make it into work. Spencer’s office is about 40 miles away from Old Basing, and although he can work from home if necessary, he does like to show willing to encourage punctuality and attendance from his staff. So, armed with a flask of leek and potato soup and his sandwiches, he set off down the M3 in the 4x4 towards Salisbury. (Too risky for the Bentley).
Meanwhile, Marcus and Violet Elizabeth, with no prospect of school, were at a loose end. My various suggestions of ironing, tidying their rooms, homework and music practice were met with a roll of the eyes, so at 8.30am we all three set off towards the Mill Field to have fun in the snow. Violet Elizabeth lost her camera after rolling round on the ground in the snow for five minutes, making a “Snow Angel”, and it was most fortunate that a Red Setter, who was also out for a walk, found it on the floor and barked loudly to alert us to the fact. We walked alongside the Loddon, past the Barn and onto The Street. Here I was persuaded to call in at Oliver’s Bakehouse for a Hot Chocolate, before carrying on round past the Church and back to the Manor. It was amazing just how many people were doing the same and having a family walk in the snow. Upon returning home we found a message from Spencer saying that he had arrived at work safely, but that he was one of the few who had made it in.
Some of you might be wondering, as I often do, exactly what Spencer does at work. I have been married to him for nearly 25 years and I ask myself this question regularly. When pressed, all he will say is that he does “Work of National Importance” (WNI) for the Government. In my view, this could cover quite a number of things, from a refuse collector to a Secret Agent. I think I can safely say that he is neither of these. He does work abroad sometimes in quite inhospitable places for weeks at a time, and often has to leave at very short notice for important business meetings up and down the country. As I think I have mentioned before, these trips always seem to coincide with important events at home such as the Village Show, my Birthday, and Valentine’s Day. I am waiting for some WNI to crop up in June in time for our Silver Wedding Anniversary. I might suggest that I accompany him if it does, especially if it is overseas.
3rd February
No school again. The novelty of snow has worn off, after Marcus filled Violet Elizabeth’s bobble hat with the stuff and put it on over her head. They are getting on each others nerves (and mine). Hope school is on tomorrow.
4th February
Had an e-mail to say that school is back on today. Thank goodness I say. Just started polishing the silver and catching up with the chores when I received another e-mail to ask that I come and pick them up after lunch as more snow was forecast. I don’t remember schools being closed when I was young, and I am sure there was more snow than this in 1963 and 1967. It seemed hardly worth going in for.