Walks in the snow

Having been back in Switzerland for weeks now, I have recovered from jet lag. It was lovely to see most of my friends in Australia but I missed a few on my list, however the trip was to help my mum organise home help for dad. So here I am back in Morges having left the heat of Mudgee behind, It took over a week for the stone in the base of my tummy to disappear, I felt rather sad. John was very supportive though.
When I left for Australia all the trees were just in the process of loosing their golden leaves. On my return the trees are bare(with the exception of fir trees) and a light covering snow covers the fields and houses, a complete change of scenery.
John and I tried snow shoeing last weekend, we loaded up with gloves, special cap, hot mulled wine, light lunch, walking sticks and snow shoes. We drove to a relatively quiet walking area, not too steep. Time to try out the new snow shoes, they look like squash racquets attached to our feet.
We walked for an hour my nose was freezing and so were my fingers, John says I complain too much but when I felt his fingers they were warm as toast his circulation is better than mine. The other unpleasant thing that happens when I get cold is my nose drips and my eyes stream……… how awful is that. So here I was trudging along trying to get used to the racquets attached to my already heavy boots, walking sticks in both hands and having to attend to the constant running nose and watering eyes, an awkward task. Although the scenery was spectacular I had my eyes focused on where I was going to plant my next step, avoiding holes from previous walkers as they made my ankles roll causing pain.
We had our light lunch and mulled wine sitting on some cut pine logs, my bottom got cold and then the urge to go to the ladies overcame me. Yes this was the moment I was dreading, and I wished I was a man. Near by was a clump of pine trees, so carefully picking my spot and with much awkwardness I did what needed to be done. A couple walking their dog was coming up to where I was, I believe I got away with it……..well I hope so. The walk back was much easier I had adjusted to the apparel on my feet, and I was warmed up by the wine. Maybe it would be safe to say I was enjoying myself and started to appreciate my beautiful surroundings, even John’s behind looked good. A woman on a dog sleigh with two eager dogs pulling her, over took us. What a great way to travel, it certainly would save my legs and keep the dogs fit, may have to get some dogs! So many people take their dogs for walks in the snow and the dogs seem to really enjoy it. We got to the car at five in the evening it was already getting dark. Driving back to Morges through the small villages was so pretty, many of the homes had Christmas lights twinkling and it looked like a fairy land against the white snow.
The streets of Morges all have been simply decorated each shop front has a red mat and a Christmas tree with red bows, they certainly have the Christmas spirit. Little shop stalls on the weekends fill the closed street. Locals selling their wares hot crepes, warm wine, roasted nuts, orange juice, hand crafted jewellery, sausages, cheeses, olives, blown glass, clothing, woodwork so much to make a shopaholics heart sing with pure joy. Now I have you all jealous I am leaving until the next blog...........