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Good morning, Rusty!
Very heavy frost and very cold!
The pavements and road are thick with ice.
It is as well I wasn't going out first thing with the dog, as I suspect it would be hard to keep one's feet.
We have, however missed the freezing fog that seems to be covering much of the UK.
How was your visit to the cemetery?
I hope the ground wasn't too treacherous?
I am hoping for an early call from the BG engineer, then I shall be free for the rest of the day.

Treacherous underfoot and on the roads here, too, though no fog and now sunshine. I went for my walk before dawn and heard two owls calling it seemed to each other (more likely establishing territory). I thought that fairly magical. Didn't bother timing myself on my walk as I usually do- had to cling to walls and rails and walk on grass wherever possible. The roseate dawn was also spectacular, shared only with the paper girl! Even the dog walkers were still inside. You are probably much better there for now, elle. Hope the gas man cometh soon.

Don't like ecards at all, or emails saying "We are giving the money to charity this year". Feel good and avoid all the effort at the same time. Why not buy your cards from a charity direct, when you can be sure they get more than the measly amount the shops pass on? The Royal Mail needs our support as well. Or at least send an emailed picture and greetings?

I've heard that the big supermarket chains are so frightened by Salmonella they won't allow people to buy/collect their fresh turkeys until Saturday, and you have to have a pre-booked collection slot. That is going to be merry chaos!

Back to log splitting for an hour or so.

Good morning, Elle!
Quite mild here today, the ice is all gone.
A fine day in fact.
Think we are about 9C just now.
I had the cemetery to myself it seemed!
But, did my duty tidying up the plants etc.
And my shoes were only wet.
So no muddy carpets in the car!
All good!
Hope your engineer turns up in good time!

Hi Rusty!
Still very cold here, but the ice is gradually melting from the pavements and road.
I think it is supposedly warmer tomorrow, so hopefully the dampness on the ground will not freeze.
I am glad your visit to the cemetery went well.
Now.....did you hear explosions.......or see blue air circling around.....?
I have had the most almighty row with British Gas over their attempt at a second postponement of my appointment!
They phoned at 10am to inform me the engineer was too busy to come!
And would come instead on December 27th!!!!!
I think not!
I am paying for a 24/7 emergency call out, with my husband rated as a priority.
Having eventually spoken to a manager, I am now assured someone WILL be here by the end of the day.....
Uhmm.......watch this space but definitely don't hold your breath...!!
I need another coffee........

Just been to Tescos, full of fresh turkeys!

So that's what that noise was!! Honestly what a dreadful cheek, I'm glad you phoned the manager. I just hope they stick to their word and do turn up today (and don't give you any guff about needing parts which are, naturally, at the depot.)

Hello, Elle!
Not so good with British Gas!
I do hope they come though!
I was offered a maintenance/service contract by British/Scottish Gas and declined.
I have a local gas company who services my boiler/radiators etc.
They are very reliable and quite a bit cheaper than Scottish Gas.
Maybe you should think about similar?
Ask neighbours, friends etc who they use?
Yes, calm down and have a coffee and a sticky bun!

Hello, Elle!
These folk may be worth a look?

http://gassafe.net/

Hello again, Elle!
Just for a comparison, these are the folk who look after my CH system.
I find them to be very good indeed!

https://www.wrbgas.co.uk/

Hello Elle
I feel your pain. I suppose that, having told BG that you weren't an emergency last time they postponed their appointment, that has become your default position for them.
Sadly, these days, it doesn't pay to be honest, however well-intentioned.