For many of you, a visit to the shrubbery tonight will be nigh impossible with the depth of fresh snow that the news bulletins are saying has fallen in remote areas of England and Wales.
Here though, there has been a cold wind but with blue skies and sunshine for most of the day. I went out to emulate Chris Packham (Winterwatch - Wednesday) viewing long-tailed ducks. Well, just one to be precise, but I didn't have to go more than a mile to see it.
http://www.blipfoto.com/entry/2663986
After 3/4 hour my fingers were too cold to operate the camera and so I returned home.
In contrast, across the globe in New Zealand it is warm summer and that is from where 'Queen Christiana' draws her inspiration for her third challenge in the MM Links Game. Somehow, I don't think they will be KIWI, RUGBY, ALL, BLACKS. To find out just what they are, log in to Q & P at 0845 tomorrow morning when she will post her prelude. The challenge words themselves will appear at 9 am precisely and you will have until 7pm on Sunday to play but it is the early bird that catches the bonus points.
Also in Q & P tomorrow morning (but a little earlier) you should see the launch of our sister game: the KM Links. That version is based on the GK crosswords in the Daily Telegraph on Sat/Mon and is managed by Seekeerz. No rush to play that version because there are no time-sensitive bonus points and you can play any time up to midnight on Sunday.
The shrubbery is now open for socialising, but I strongly recommend warm clothing and a warming tot for the insides - Slainte.
I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow morning in Q & P.
Until then,
Happy Linking
gen2