Wednesday 29 November 2023
I got a lift with Chris about four miles down the road before 08:00 this morning. He was on his way to Nice, I was on my way to the closest letterbox and back home. The temperature was -6°C according to the car, and it also felt distinctly subzero. I had a lovely walk, the kind that makes me want to go for walks that early every day. Frost, sunrise, friendly sheep, hardly any vehicles, quiet; just the job. I got home and hung some washing out. The washing was less malleable by the time I’d hung it out; I’m going for the fresh outdoors smell rather than dry laundry.
As the temperature is now likely to regularly be below zero, I changed which tap we use from the spring to the water tank. In winter, we need to use the tap with an overflow pipe to try to ensure water can continuously flow. The summer tap has a ballcock to stop the water when the tank is full. It’s not as obvious as it might sound to get the flow right. Fortunately, Chris and I went to check on it yesterday. I had not opened it enough as it had stopped flowing and the water level was significantly down (from our usage, including a wash, dishwasher, bath, shower). I checked it again today, the tap having been opened more, and it’s still flowing, but the lid of the tank was frozen shut so I couldn’t see how high the water level was. Anyway, I’ll have to check later but it should be okay.
I have a small fan heater directed at me but I’m still feeling the cold. I think the third hot drink of the day might be in order. One of my best purchases against the cold has been thick sheepskin boots. My feet are lovely and warm.