Whether it’s my cold feet or the talk of the first snow of winter or maybe it’s because I love The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder but my mind has gone back to Christmas 1962.
My elderly grandparents had arrived for Christmas all the way from Dorset when on Boxing Day it started to snow. This was followed a few days later by a blizzard that swept across the country, it was so cold the sea froze. Snow continued to fall for what seemed like weeks afterwards and my grandparents were completely cut off from their home.
For me, a young child it was great fun. Nanny, a great lover of card games was always available for a game of nap, something I’ve only ever played with her so the rules are long forgotten.
For my parents it was not so much fun. They had given up their bed so for weeks were sleeping in my bedroom. They had to carry on with looking after everyone and keeping us warm. It wasn’t until March, almost Easter, that the thaw came and they were able to take them home.
I reminded my mum about this yesterday and asked how she coped “It wasn’t very nice of me but I did get a bit irritable with all the mess” was all she said. How I wish I was as nice as mum!
The Christmas Club is an idea of Sian's, do pop over and share a Christmas story.
16 comments:
Because I'm such a fan of The Long Winter too I think this story is going to stay with me a long time. Wow. It certainly sounds like Long Winter type conditions if the sea froze! I love the picture too. Thanks Jane..I'm sitting right beside the radiator as I type and I'm grateful for it.
I've added a linky in now, so I'll add you in if that's okay
What a precious photo, and that is quite a family story - makes me shiver a bit.
Oh my, that was quite the long winter. I love the picture of your Grandparents. I've never heard of "The Long Winter" - I'll have to check it out.
I remember reading somewhere that it snowed for 60 days in 1962....great for children....hell for adults!!
A beautiful photo and a lovely story. I would have been as excited as you if my grandparents got snowed in with me!
I was at Agricultural College in 1962/3 and had to go back early after Christmas because the piggery had gone up in flames on Boxing day and the fire brigade had to struggle the three miles from Usk through the falling snow. The snow kept on falling, day after day and it really did last until easter. We went to the Smithfield show in London on two coaches and to add to the weather problems it was so foggy coming back to south Wales that it took 12 hours - before the Severn Bridge was built so no M4......... gosh, the good old days eh?
That was the year before my parents got married and I can remember my Dad talking about that snow years later. What a treat it must have been for you to have your grandparents staying all that time.
I don't really remember that winter. I was only 4 but we have some wonderful cine film of it and my mum still grumbles how the relatives we had for Christmas could not go home!
I (sadly) remember that winter! I was a child so my memories are filled with joy! I didn't realise it lasted so long though.
I remember not only playing nap but Newmarket and three halfpenny limit!! It must have been so hard for Mum!!
What a story, loved it. Had no idea it lasted so long (and, yes, your Mum should be rewarded for the fortitude of her patience!)
Wow it snowed for that long.
What a great memory to share for the Christmas Club - I can definitely see how it would bring to mind The Long Winter!
Having family that long may have been a bit of a hardship, but what a blessing for children---to have so much time with their grandparents. Lots of memories to cherish.
Wow, that was a long visit! A great memory to share :)
that really WAS a long winter! Xx
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