Here are some pictures from the last few days at our peak district cottages. Thank you for all your wishes and cards.

Woke up to a covering of snow on Sunday and with two cottages departing Chris was out clearing the drive as soon as we were up. Went down to Bakewell for the paper and to empty bottle bins, but the road was a bit precarious in places, which is unusual as the road is normally kept well gritted. On the way back we called into Green Cowden Farm and they said we could expect up to 8 inches of snow that afternoon. So we called into Andrews to ask for the use of the snow plough if required. He was with the vet as two of his cows were not well. The last of the cows came inside today. Back home one of the cleaners called in for a couple of hours but left when the weather started to close in. We had invited some friends over for the afternoon but felt it might be better to rearrange this. Our remaining guests had trouble getting the car back up the drive so they left it in a safe spot. We certainly had a couple of inches of snow so it was to an even whiter landscape that we woke up on the Monday. I hate changeovers in the rain but in the snow it is even worse. One cottage out today with five due back in to our peak district cottages. Chris was out early again and spent about five hours clearing the drive and car park and courtyard. Ian came up with the snowplough to help and also one of our cleaners children helped too. They wanted to build a snowman but it was too soft. With the weather hampering cleaning yesterday we were playing catch up today, especially as one of the cleaners had to wait until she could dig her car out and leave her village. With two cleaners up we managed to finish just before 3pm. I was beginning to panic at one stage and although I was helping by making beds there were still the final Christmas touches we put in the cottages which Chris usually does. With him occupied elsewhere I also had to find time for these too. I lost count of the number of times I put my wellies on and took them off. Two cottages arrived just after 3pm, one at 4pm and two just after 6pm. They have been before. A few more to arrive over the next few days. Now I need to catch up with everything else!

A dull day on Wednesday and time to put up two more trees. Getting there! One cottage in today. Forecast for next few days looks ominous, last thing we need just before Xmas is snow. Had hoped might get a few last minute weekend bookings but with snow forecast it seems unlikely. Thursday was a lot brighter but we did have a few flurries which left a very light dusting of snow. One cottage into our peak district cottages, they have been before. Two cleaners up today to keep up with cleaning and preparations for next week. Handyman up as well to finish off last bits in Bluebell and help Chris tidy up outside. Also went to Bakewell for our dental check up. Also finished writing Christmas cards. Phew.

Woke up to fog. After usual tasks out of the way had a visit from Sally from Peakdistrictonline, a local directory we subscribe to. Sally was instrumental in bringing the Beautiful South here to record their final album. Time to renew our subscription and time for a chat over coffee too. Then a quick trip down to Bakewell to get provisions for the weekend and final bits for Carol concert tonight. Back, lunch then Joanna collected me and we went down to the little church at Over Haddon to prepare for the evening. By now the fog had lifted but never cleared completely. Not needed for long at Over Haddon so back and a chance to catch up with things at our peak district cottages. One cottage out this morning with none returning today. Our first and only night with no-one in this year! No cleaners up today. An early dinner then I collected Joanna to go back to Over Haddon for the Carol Service itself. There were about four dozen WI ladies (plus a few children and male chauffeurs!) A lovely service and back not too late after we had cleared up, washed up and hoovered. Phew!