The first snow of winter Winter has come to Bishkek. It snowed, then the temperature dropped. I heard someone say that it went down to minus 16C. Last week’s snow is still on the ground. The temperature hovers around freezing during the day and drops below zero as soon as the sun starts to go down. The washing froze as soon as we hung it out on the line on Saturday morning. It's definitely time for thermals, gloves, boots and other winter wear. These last few days the sun has been shining – very crisp and cold – quite beautiful, but getting around is rather hazardous. The main roads did seem to have some kind of grit the day after the snow, but the pavements and side roads are still icy. Noone uses snow tyres or chains. I met a Lada coming sideways down our street and saw a Mercedes making futile attempts to turn out of a side road into the main road – it just kept sliding back.

Thanksgiving celebration Sunday November 26 Nazir volunteered his apartment and kitchen and two colleagues from UCA volunteered to cook. They bought a goose and turkey at the bazaar and these, together with contributions from all the guests, made a huge spread. The chefs' helper at work The Thanksgiving spread Enjoying

Belinska (Manas) Street house We moved from the Sovietskya apartment to this house on Belinska Street in October before we went on leave to UK. In early November, when this photo was taken, the apricot and cherry trees had nearly lost all their leaves. Rodney dug over the plot beneath the apricot tree and we sowed grass seed. Among the roses we planted the snowdrop crocus and narcissi bulbs we brought back from UK.

South Downs Way Walk 16-24 October 2006 The first stop for lunch. Seven miles out from Winchester, 93 miles to go to Eastbourne. Rodney checks the map.

The Hampshire Downs. Great views even though it was a little misty. Curious sheep Rodney hanging himself out to dry comorant-style Refuelling with ploughman's lunch

Sunshine or showers heading our way? Whichever, were prepared.

Still on track

Breakfast at our comfy hotel in Lewes - Springwells - included porridge with cream, demerara sugar and whisky! Fine food to set walkers off on the right foot. Our room was the one with the window in the roof.

A great walk, but no doddle, especially the last day that took us up and down over the Seven Sisters to Beachy Head and into Eastbourne.