Wet.

For most of the day it's been impossible to see beyond the village due to fine rain in the day. We've also had heavy rain, last night and again tonight. For a brief moment this morning the sea mist or rather the no-see sea mist lifted enough for me to catch a momentary sighting of snow covered mountain tops. Either the rain has now washed it all away or the low temperatures (almost freezing here) have turned the rain to snow in which case we will be well and truly snowed in.

My back was sore this morning which forced me out of bed before six. It was raining too fiercely for me to sit in the doorway waiting for the day to lighten up so I got on with my routine - Duo Lingo, Pilates and piano. I'm trying to create a routine where the piano practice follows on directly after the Pilates and so far it is working as I have done both every day. All I need to do now is work in guitar practice as well. 

Yesterday evening I took down all the Christmas decorations including the small driftwood tree which only took 15 minutes. Today I did the longer job of sorting everything into boxes. Of course having put away the steps I used to reach the cupboard above the coats I found first one and then another last decoration that needed putting away. Speedy took an interest in one of the two strands of tinsel chasing the end and then rolling around with it. I love the sparkle and glitter of the Christmas decorations and take a lot of pleasure in making the house look festive, especially the lights around the windows but I also love the calm feel of the white rooms with beautiful ceramics and glass on the shelves and art work on the walls.  I think it's the contrast that makes me appreciate both looks.

Since the forecast wasn't good our group walk was planned to start in Borth. I walked round to one of the group's home and arrived wet even though it only takes 3 minutes to get there. As a small contingent gathered we drank tea and ate hot home-made mince pies. Eventually we decided we might as well try our luck and headed out for a walk along the beach and then along the river Leri before swinging back to the church and heading for home. All this in the steady rain and an icy wind. There was no point in taking my camera as not only was it wet but there were no views. Despite the offer of more mince pies I went straight home to warm up and continue putting away the decorations.