Tuesday 9th January 2024

Even colder today. The hard frost did not lift at all, and I had to scrape the car several times. Very unusual for us here. Still, as at least three people said to me today - it will kill all the bugs. I’m never quite convinced.

I was back into the swing today - town, shopping, gym for the first time since before Christmas. I’m trying not to shop unless it’s absolutely necessary, because I have a larder and two freezers full of food. It’s not easy food to use up, though. I have to put some planning and thought into it. Remembering to soak the borlotti beans, or defrost and slow cook those lamb shanks - not really in the “It’s 4pm - what’s for dinner!” school of catering, which is how I usually operate. Anyway, Tesco had a clubcard offer on ribeye steaks, so we had one each for dinner with chips done in the airfryer.

I spent the afternoon on the laptop doing committee stuff and vaguely watching the snooker. The boy was tired after dinner so went for an early night. I’ve let the fire go out, so I might just do the same. I bought a Country Living magazine in Tesco, and I think I will retire with that and my hot water bottle.