We have experienced heavy rain for the last three days and although the sun shines as I write this on Friday morning, bad news is breaking about the aftermath. South Lakes has many closed roads making it difficult to get around. We’re not so bad here but look out over fields covered in water. If you log on to BBC Radio Cumbria or Lakeland FM you will be able to see images of the situation.

There’s a policeman lost in Workington and two bridges have been washed away in the northwest of the county. Much of the damage around Kendal is to developments on the River Kent’s flood plain unfortunately.

I might pop down to Newby Bridge later and have a look at the River Leven as it leaves Windermere. I’ll post an image or two if poss. Thanks for your message and concern. Apologies – this is a blanket message to all.

Hi John, I have just seen the terrible floods in Cumbria, it's just awful - I hope you and the village are safe.
Take care and don't go out unless you have to,
Shirley

Ah-ha my cyber friend, so that's what you look like! A bit shorter and hairier than I imaginged, but a nice shiny coat! And not a bacon buttie in sight!

Hello - what a coincidence, I have just pm'ed you about an ID!
Yes we have Roe and fallow deer in the NP, I saw a lovely male Roe last week on his own. I have been getting out a bit recently the weather has warmed up. I had a bit of a fright in January, it was -8 and I hadn't been out too long and I was on my own as usual and I couldn't feel my fingers or keep my camera still so I thought I would come home. Then I started to feel so sick and my vision kept going dark, how I rode my bike home I don't know. It took me ages to get in the house as i couldn't manipulate my fingers to get the key. I had to lay down for an hour where I dropped once I got in and the pain in my fingers as they started to thaw out was awful. I had 2 pairs of gloves on. Anyway since then, I have been waiting for it to get above zero, and have only got out a few times for various reasons. I am hoping tomorrow or Tuesday will be OK, there is some fungi I want to check on and with some luck I will see deer again or the Konick horses. once the leaves are on the tree the chance of seeing the deer will dimish hugely. There is also a Buzzard I have been trying to get a decent picture of for months.
Hope you roebuck stays around!
Shirley

Morning Shirley, saw you were logged in. Bit blowy and overcast here this morning - you're not missing anything! Was up and out early checking some local stuff this morning and disturbed a magnificent roebuck 300 m from the house. He'd been lying up in some rough for at least two days and I hope I haven't disturbed him too much for him to move on.
How are things in the NP? Do you get roe over there?

Good morning John - it sounds lovely - are you trying to make me jealous? We had a very cold december beginning of January with daytime temps between -3 and-8 for a few weeks, snow and ice. But we are missing the snow Britain is having now -thank goodness - today is very foggy and put paid to my plans of going to the NP today.
There are murmerings of a holiday in the summer - so I hope to be in the lakes in July/August. Daughter number one (20)will be off walking probably in Germany or Scandinavia. Daughter number 2 (14 so stuck with the totally embarrasing uncool parents!) wants a beach holiday some where hot and exotic with not having to walk further to the beach or pool - I can't think of anything worse!
The honeysuckle looks to be doing very well, with lots of new growth. I have just got a clematis montana and was wondering if I would be able to grow them together or they would strangle each other? My other place may be a little too shady. I will cut the buddleias back in a week or two - very exciting all the prospects of the future moths!
Take care and see you around!

The Coniston range looked lovely covered in snow yesterday Shirley and we've got the lightest dusting here this morning otherwise we've been snow free unlike some parts of the country.
Hope you're keeping well and getting ready to train the new growth on your honeysuckle!

John

Thanks Shirley for your kind seasonal greetings. I didn't realise that all and sundry would be able to see the colours - then I don't tend to think outside of the box!
You're not missing much at the moment in Lakeland. As I write this, the rain is falling so heavily it is pooling in the garden. Did my Father Christmas bit at the local primary school this afternoon and I always feel more Christmassy when that's over. Great fun.

Have a great family time over the festive period - Happy Christmas to you all.

John

Hi Shirley
First frost in south lakes this morning with a smattering of snow on top of the Howgills yesterday. Hopefully, the ground will start drying up following the recent rain.
John