A new house felt like it needed a new blog space too. I do this periodically, and I do apologise if it messes up people's blog readers. I just don't seem to be able to help myself. I've tried the new space out for a few days and it seems to fit, so I would love it if you would join me over at 

Not Really a Farm

Finally, we are in! 

In fact, we are snowed in, and have been since Tuesday. It's been an eventful week... 

Monday (moving day) was long, tiring and emotional. We had less than two hours sleep, which didn't help. Our keys were ready by 11.30am, but we were still cleaning the old house until 12.30, then needed a restorative cuppa before heading out to the wilds. The old house was doing its best to make us regret leaving.

Needless to say, the removals men had beaten us to it - they'd unloaded one van into the garage, and driven all the way back to Sheffield and back (an hour each way) to collect the lorry before we arrived. ​

The new house was cold - it's been empty for months, and the heating system was drained before Christmas. Thanks to some clever instructions over the phone from our cheery plumber, I had it working within an hour or so, but it took several days for the heat to warm the old stone walls. 

On Tuesday, the world seemed a little brighter, and we nipped to our two most local towns for supplies, then to the village for a nice cup of tea in our new favourite local cafe. 

On Tuesday afternoon, the snow set in, and we were stuck. 

On Thursday, I attempted to walk a couple of miles to the local village for milk, but had to turn back because I could barely see for the snow blowing in my eyes. A nearby farmer took pity on me and gave me some milk from his cows. He did say this was the worst weather they'd had for years so I'm hoping this is NOT usual for this time of year.

​It was so very windy that the snow had blown off the fields almost completely and formed into strange sculptural drifts, almost like waves. 

Yesterday wasn't so windy, and we did actually make it all the way to the village, although it took us over an hour. The cafe was closed (oh no!) but fortunately the pub was open, so we were able to have a nice cup of tea before heading back up the hill again. 

The people coming to fit all season tyres to our car couldn't get through the snow, and I've had to cancel all work this week as the roads are either impassable or officially closed. On the plus side, it's given us plenty of time to unpack, and we are now settling in nicely and getting into the rhythm of this strange life we've catapulted ourselves into. 

Whatever happens come spring is going to feel like a doddle compared to this.