The Wintery blast that was bringing snow to Scotland and the North East failed to bring more than just snow to the tops of our highest Cumbrian peaks.

However the weather patterns changed and a warm front moved in from the Atlantic, bringing snow up from the south as the warm weather met the cold air.

It reached us on the Thursday evening.

The red phone box on Thursday evening as tyre tracks of late evening cars were being covered by snow.

[ 3 second iPhone picture no flash ]

Looking down at the garden and up the Buttermere Valley from the elevated location of the bedroom.

Gillerthwaite House (next door) and Mellbreak.

I've managed a little gardening in the last few weeks, but more work is needed as that fruit cage looks like it's leaning more than ever this year.

However I'll not be out gardening today.

After breakfast the sun broke through and I had a stroll about the "estate".

Snowdrops in the snow - they're nearly over now.	This Daffodil managing to stay upright.	The pond was looking picturesque.

Paula's staying for a few days and wanted to build a snowman.

A cheerful soul . . . complete with hat, scarf, carrot nose and sprout eyes.

Dougal was more interested in playing with snowballs !

There's a pool of hot water just appeared . . .

. . . and now there's someone sitting in it !

Ambition achieved . . . a dip in the hot tub on a snowy day.

The predicted snow meant that I could turn the tub on sufficiently in advance to be warm enough for a dip today.

It's not been switched on since the nice weather of mid autumn.

Paula's other desire, after building the snowman today, was to go for a local walk to appreciate the scenery.

We got kitted-up for a walk to Loweswater and Holme Woods before lunch.

( More of that on the next full page )