Here in Stoke we have had a very cold few weeks. All of the Longton roofs are white and the Bottle Ovens stand out clearly across the town. The best air temperature today was a scorching +2 degrees, but in the past few weeks -5 has been the normal temperature and we have had the temperature fall to -17.
The low winter sun is casting shadows across the snow in Fenton Park. The ground was cold enough to make your feet feel cold, even through boots and two pairs of thermal socks.
Today has been a fine crisp day with a clear blue sky and still air. We saw people sledging on the hills around Fenton and I spotted a sparrow hawk in a nearby hedge. The gulls sitting in the snow near Sammy's pool were not going to be moved as we walked past.
Back home to a mince pie and a nice cup of tea.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.
