It is not very often that I take a photo towards North for my morning greeting, but this morning it was a must. Although the sun ascends in the South (I suppose really East), at least in our area, it only cast its reflection in the North over the snow clad slopes of our local mountains. Temperatures are still very cold sinking to -10°C during the night and only reaching -3°C at the most in the afternoon, but I am at home in the warmth. I always have a bowl of fresh water for the birds and any other animals that might wander through outside. In the morning it is a solid block of ice.

I thought this little sparrow was standing in the bowl having a drink yesterday. I then realised that the water had again frozen an hour after I had filled the bowl with fresh water and he was standing on the surface having a drink through the ice surface.

Yesterday this little guy appeared on one of the trees opposite and I am still trying to work out what he is. Is it a gold finch or a green finch. At the moment we are visited from all sorts and I had never seen such a bird in our area.

Now and again a starling mingles with the crowd. they usually arrive in flocks and I noticed a flock but this one decided to have a look around on his own.

I have been following the news from the States on the impeachment trial of Trump. It was nearing the end and I said to Mr. Swiss, I am sure that idiot will be acquitted eventually. Mr. Swiss agreed, and now the verdict is known that he will not be impeached. It seems he is innocent according to the decision of the American court. I really cannot understand this. It seems money does talk all languages. I can only hope that this criminal will have a civil process on his hands afterwards.

Yesteday I spend time on cleaning my oven. It was really in a sorry state after bread and cake baking. However, I was surprise that in half an hour it was looking OK again. Afterwards I baked a chicken which was not such a good idea, but I decided to clean the oven more often. It would save time and look better.

The water bowl seemed to be a popular meeting place with the birds yesterday, but they had to be quick to make sure it did not freeze again.

I am now off to cook lunch: a nice piece of beef for slow cooking with veg and all the trimmings, so I can just let it cook on its own with no great work on my side. Have a good Sunday and make the most of it. It will soon be Monday again for the workers amongst us.