Some might say/A room with a view

There I was, one day happily singing along to Oasis, as I worked in the kitchen. The following day I was laid low with a temperature, hacking cough and violent sneezes and, even worse, no voice. Some might say (sorry, couldn't avoid an Oasis connection) that this could be a good thing as singing has never been my strong point. It's something I do quite enjoy, but only if my music is turned up very loud, and there are no strangers about (I can just about cope with the rude comments from my family). In fact, if anyone ventures down the hill towards my plot, they could be mistaken for thinking there is a small, injured animal trapped somewhere in the vicinity. No - it's just me singing along to my Ipod as I work.

So, for the past few days I've felt so rough that there's been nothing for it, but to take to my bed. In any case, it was best I kept the germs to myself. It seems that lots of people are going down like flies at the moment, including our daughter-in-law, grandchildren, and friends. As a result I missed the walking club Christmas do, and another buffet yesterday evening, but Mike kindly brought home a goodie bag containing a variety of items. Unfortunately, I've also lost my sense of taste. We should have then been going straight on to Lichfield, for carols in the Cathedral, but that was off, and our pre-Christmas 'do' at friends D & D's tomorrow has also been postponed, as the bug has also hit their household. Still, I'm very fortunate. I don't have to go out to work, or to look after small children, and I'm being very well cared for, in a warm and cosy house. Mike made some very soothing soup from the remaining Blue Hubbard squash, which has gone down a treat, even if it didn't taste (to me) as good as it should have done. Today I'm feeling a little better, but not yet ready for the great outdoors.

From my sick bed, where there is quite a panoramic view, as far away as Cannock Chase, I have been watching the changing weather conditions. The power station at Rugeley is a good indicator as to the wind direction. Today it was from the west, and this was confirmed when weather forecast predicted snow sweeping across the country from the Cheshire Gap. The direction of the steam plumes changed slightly towards the south, and what had been quite sunny and benign conditions, soon developed into a white-out. Between weather watching, there are flocks of birds and fields of frolicking horses to keep me occupied. It beats watching day-time TV.

Sounds like we are in for some severe weather so, to conclude, I have decided not to include any snow photos this time. I appreciate the chaos and difficulties it can cause, and if it's going to spoil things for most people, then let's hope it's not going to be a White Christmas (well, just a little bit ......maybe). Instead, how about this plate full of the ornamental gourds that I grew on my allotment during the summer.