For most of today it has poured down upon us, in bucket loads. Of course, it was overcast with it. Nothing could have succeeded in breaking through such a besotted cloud scene.

As the weather got fiercer and wetter, I got chilled and chillier. Even the shop I went into was cold. The store felt colder than I was! Could this be an attempt to stop using power for the fridges? If it is a dry run for fuel reduction, I won't be going shopping there more than absolutely necessary. The store also provides the town post office, so I can't escape occasional visits. On such occasions,I'll have to attire myself in huge boots, big furry style hat,long coat and muffler

The cashier at the check out I used, was dressing up in her fleeces to operate the till point. This was comforting as it confirmed it wasn't just me who was colder than cold.

I visited ma-in-law who sits most of the time in a warm room. "Heavens you're white-looking", she said. Through her window, I watched birds feeding from her bird table. They swung from nets holding nuts and fat balls. I started to slowly thaw and feel my blood temperature begin to normalise.

Once again outside in the chilly damp, (the rain had stopped and a ray of sunshine had fought through) I realised I had mislaid the groceries I'd purchased earlier in that desperately cold store. As I retraced my steps to all the places I'd visited, I got cold again.

I have never really warmed up since. I am wearing my fleece as I write and I think I might just go on the hunt for some ginger wine, or a whisky, or a brandy. There's bound to be something lying in the back of a cupboard from last Christmas!