Cold

We were both in the works today dealing with our respective exam commitments in one way or another, which also allowed me to stock up on animal food and saline for my contact lenses, both of which were running low. The reliable Gordon, who had taken us in in the morning (we’ve not cared to risk our own car for the lat week) turned up to rescue us. Then, as the poet said, there came both mist and snow, and it grew wondrous cold. Gordon’s car is equipped with a temperature gauge, and after we left Aberdeen (where it was +1) it got lower and lower. As we inched up the drive to the house, it was minus six, and it is appreciably colder than that now. The poor little cat wailed and fussed as I carried her up the garden, and was completely silenced by being dropped into the snow, which is up to her chest - I think it took her breath away. Necessary ablutions were thereupon performed in double quick time. I must say, both animals are very good about this sort of thing. They both seem to go into a state of suspended animation: it’s noticeable that neither of them eat, or even more importantly, drink much, when we are out for the day. Our return is followed by a good deal of glad bustle after which both of them head for their respective bowls and start making up for lost time. They are both cleanly by instinct, and practical. I think it's the first time this year that we've had this depth of cold. The Met Office seems to think that the serious winter is nearly over – oh, I do hope so.