Hibernating

I have nothing exciting to report regarding the Cologne that exists outside our little flat as I have been in hibernation. It's too cold to go outside. It's also a complex operation getting myself and two little ones ready and out of the house - especially when you have to factor in the time it takes for everyone to get kitted out with gloves, hats, scarves and fresh nappies (this last item only applies to the kids you understand). I've found it easier to stay at home and limit our activities to building towers of blocks and knocking them down, counting to ten, sticking things with glue, and finger painting. This is about as much as my brain can cope with in its current sleep deprived state anyway.

Perishing

It's very, very cold here this morning.

MINUS 12 DEGREES.

I wonder if I have ever known it to be this cold before?

Here in Cologne it is so cold that people are skating on park lakes. I, however, have a phobia* of ice, so I won't be joining them.

*My phobia is based on rational thinking - ie I find that slipping over is not usually fun. Luckily my phobia only affects me in winter. I feel sorry for people who fear spiders, for those wee beasties are omnipresent.