Winter Wonderland - Again!

I can't believe the garden is completely covered in snow - again!  It only seems a couple of months ago since the last lot.  To be fair it was 10 months ago but still, so soon?
 
I have to admit the garden does look lovely when the snow is undisturbed and a thick carpet.  Not very practical though.  The cats peer out the door and don't want to go out.  They seem to develop bladders of steel.  We end up digging paths for them from the door to the bushes which they then happily trot up and down.

As for the poor birds, who knows what they make of it all.  It really makes you realise how important it is to leave food for them.  My garden was a veritable bird buffet this morning.  Pigeons were lined up on the fence, a whole flock of blue tits were feasting on the peanuts and seed.  They were swiftly joined by a robin, dunnock and even a magpie pecking at the fat filled coconut shell hanging from the shed roof. 

The Freeze Continues

The snow that fell a week ago is still causing havoc in the garden.  During the day temperatures have risen slightly causing a slight thaw but then they drop again overnight creating hazardous ice everywhere.

Whilst it is making the roads treacherous, the most amazing icicles have formed along the roof tops.  I don't remember ever seeing anything quite like it.  Certainly not in this country anyway. 

A slightly leaky downpipe from the roof has developed into a spectacular ice sculpture in the corner of the garden.  It really is quite something and I have to admit, I will be a bit sad to see it finally melt.

During the day, the ice seems to melt on the inside, next to the downpipe and causes water to run down between the pipe and the outer shell of ice.  It is fascinating to watch, it reminds me of an expensive water feature you see in hotels, where you have a wall of glass with water cascading through it.

(Click on the photo for a closer look)

Winter Wonderland

It started snowing about 5pm yesterday and at midday today it still hasn't stopped! 

They are forecasting snow for the rest of the day as well with more later in the week.

The garden has completely vanished and has been replaced by a winter wonderland. I have to admit it is really pretty though.

The poor birds don't look too amused although some have made it to the bird table for breakfast.