I am just going outside and may be some time

I was, as you may have noticed, becoming extremely fractious; I also didn't sleep very well. This couldn't be allowed to continue.

So this afternoon we wrapped up well and put on walking boots and picked our way down the hill and to the swimming pool. It took rather a long time, partly because I am extremely unconfident on ice (not so bad on loose snow, but once it's packed hard, not so good) and partly because I had to keep stopping to take pictures. Also, walking on snow, like walking on the beach, gives a great work-out to some muscles that don't usually get worked so hard.

But we made it through to the pool, and we swam: I didn't do my full 40 lengths (1000m) because I had to stop with cramp (stopped once, worked it out, did another 10 and had to stop again. Fine now, after a hot shower) - but I've been swimming for the first time this year, and I did 30 lengths, and next time will be better. Surely...

Still not a happy bunny, but better, and grateful for the indulgence of my friends who are nice to me when I whine.