And the snow slowly disappears …

Since I have been writing this blog during the snow – as is my way, I have been looking at quotes and sayings about snowflakes. They really are a most beautiful things – described as “ snow angels blowing kisses from heaven” , “ a winter’s butterfly”. Each is considered unique because a snowflake’s shape evolves as it journeys through the air , meaning no two are ever the same.

So how on earth have these beautiful things become associated with another definition I found

Now I know there are many people who fit the above definition but please couldn’t we have found a more appropriate name for them. When I wrote my blog a couple of days ago , I told you of some of my experiences as a student and newly qualified physiotherapist. Whilst I’ve been walking I’ve been giving thought to the “ snowflakes” and their reactions to some situations I’ve found myself in . One stands out. When I started working at St Bartholomew’s Hospital ( known as Bart’s in our family as it was where my father trained) , my first ward was male urology ( of all places !) I was expected to join the weekly ward round with the Consultant and all his minions. You have to picture the scene – if all else fails, look at the ward rounds in Carry on Doctor , and you’ll have a very good idea of what they are like . This particular day the Consultant asked my patient if he had seen the physiotherapist – “Yes” replied the patient “Who did you see?” was the next question . “The blonde one with the child bearing hips.” came the reply. ( ironic when you think why I’m doing the walk and this blog – child carrying hips yes, but not child bearing without medical and surgical assistance I’m afraid) Did I take offence Dear Reader ? Of course not ….I don’t deny it was embarrassing, and it would have been better had he said “Jane” but hey he didn’t and everyone knew which physio had seen him! That just wouldn’t happen now – but sometimes I think we have gone to far. People are now afraid to say anything lest they offend. Let me make it perfectly clear , I will never intentionally offend anyone. However, there are occasions where I feel concerned I may cause offence because I’ve used incorrect terminology – and I know I’m not alone in this. It is inexcusable to intentionally offend someone in my view – and it is correct in that situation, that action is taken against the offender. My plea to those who are overly sensitive is to please distinguish between intent to cause offence and complete innocence.

Needless to say I cannot be categorised as someone from the “ snowflake” generation!!

So to today’s walk ….the temperature has risen slightly, so the beautiful snow has turned to slush though is still icy and very difficult to walk on.

I had intended to walk on my own with Millie , but as I got onto the trail I met a neighbour and his daughter so we started our walk together. Then as we progressed our direct neighbours caught us up ….

A foot soaking exercise for those with inappropriate footwear 😉😉😉

We finally reached Penistone where Millie and I met the DB , who had come to take Millie home. Whilst she manages the walks very well, I know we have a long one tomorrow, so didn’t want her to overdo it today! Not so for me though … I returned initially on the very wet, slippery TPT…