on a one horse open sleigh!

Well that's something I've done several times over the years, it might sound very romantic but seriously, its cold even under the heavy blankets, you have an urgent desire to use a loo most of the time and everything smells of horse sweat! Okay, it is quite good fun, stopping at a remote inn for hot choccy and/or schnapps is pretty nice and gliding over the alpine snow is pretty cool, but alas, none of that this year.

However, the forecasters are suggesting that some of us might be getting a white Christmas this year - just days after suggesting there won't be any snow at all in a few years time - make your minds up people!

So what's been happening? After posting here on Wednesday I went for a long hike into the city centre, there were a couple of things I wanted to pick up and I needed some retail therapy. The city was pretty quiet, no queuing even at Primark, and a nod to a Christmas Market looking quite forlorn - I was tempted by the smell of Bratwurst but £6 for a sausage in a bun as CMYOT Dibbler would say, well that's just outrageous. My available budget was small of course but I managed to get most of what I set out for, a nice pair of ankle boots, a frock for xmas day and a bonus long quilted skirt, above the knee when its 0c can get a little chilly! By the time I got back I'd walked ten miles but I was at least in a fairly happy place.

I went for a ride on Thursday of course, a laney route through north west Wiltshire, carefully avoiding any towns, lunching in a remote bus shelter to the sound of the army practising their artillery skills on nearby Salisbury Plain. As long as I avoid using shops/cafes going into a lower Tier is allowed, not that i'll make a habit of such a full day.It was a damp, dank, grey day but I slipped back for just over 120km just as the light was failing, the highlight was having to climb through a fallen tree on the cycle track near Aqua Sulis with my bike - high adventure!

Friday was for writing, of which I didn't make as much progress as I'd hoped but its going the right way. The other thing I did was post the remainder of my Chrimbo largesse, I left the PO over £30 poorer but with the knowledge that the GS etc won't be short of excitement on the big day. I've now spent @ £50 on postage this season, a figure which I wouldn't usually have to spend as I'd be hand delivering most stuff. I'm a little sad that I won't be seeing everyone but at least the cards and presents provide a reminder of relationships and friendships.

And on to Saturday, the forecast was cool but sunny and that's pretty much how it went. I hadn't got a specific plan, I ended up with a mini South Glos tour of a smidgen over 100km. To be honest, I just wasn't feeling the Beans, All the riding has taken its toll on my steed, a quick service before the ride revealed that the crank bearings are on their last legs, an expense I could do without this time of year (see above!). Maybe I should take a break instead of chasing down the 700km that would give me 18000km for 2020? but its so near, I'd be there already but for my accident, would I be chasing 19k now instead? probably.

Today then, the start of the third week of Advent for the Christian god botherers. Its much like Thursday weatherwise, typical for mid December really. I've posted you a new chapter of Avoidance, the journey to Spain has finally arrived, Got the moves might keep your grey cells entertained for a few moments!

Until next time,
Frohes Advent,
Madeline Anafrid