Freeze the toes right off your feet

The upside of the past week of freezing weather is the beauty of the mornings. The ground is solid, the grass is a delicate shade of pearl and, if it's been foggy as well, all the leaves and branches of the trees and shrubs are fringed with white crystals, for all the world as if they're wearing little fur coats. With the sun shining from a clear blue sky, the stunning sight just takes your breath away.

The downside of the past week of freezing weather is having to crack the dogs off the lampposts during their morning walk.