Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

We have had some very exciting weather here in England the last few days! Heavy snow, below freezing temperatures, and lots of ice has meant that Heathrow Airport has been shut down for the past three days, the Eurostar scaled back to three trains a day, and most buses and trains canceled! In London we had between 5 and 6 inches of snow on Saturday while Devon, which rarely gets any snow in the winter, saw over 8 inches of snow on Sunday! We've dealt with these white blankets by doing what most people seem to do: stay inside! Here are pictures looking out our flat onto our street.

On Saturday, however, we braved the snow and cold to explore the Real Food Christmas market on the Southbank. Ruben and Ryan had several fine snow fights and we warmed ourselves with Creole veggie fritters, le diot patate raclette (a French potato and sausage mess, at left), mulled wine, and churros con chocolate! Though freezing, we really enjoyed the market and all the artisan food vendors. Some how food always tastes more delicious when experienced within the clutches of severe weather. That must be why camping meals always taste so fantastic, even if it's just a can of Dinty Moore Stew or corned beef hash!

On Tuesday morning, with Heathrow still closed and St. Pancras still jammed, we went to Paddington Station to catch our train to Bishopsteignton in Devon where we will be spending Christmas with Alun. The snow gods were smiling on us and we were able to get our train without trouble to Devon. Riding the train through the countryside we saw field after field of white. It was beautiful.

There isn't much snow in Teignmouth and Bishopsteignton, but everything is a soft, misty gray, covered with frost. Last night we had some freezing fog and woke up to hoar-frost, in which everything was covered in ice even though it didn't snow last night. I didn't know such phenomena existed! I am learning much about cold weather and different types of ice formation. Needless to say, I bought my very first hot water bottle today, and can't wait to go to bed tonight. Time to tuck in, stay warm, and let the Christmas baking begin!

These are my snow prints from when I took the trash and recycling out. I don't know if there was much point though, as the trash-men and postmen are nowhere to be found!