Miele - The champion of vacuums

When I mentioned to Ole that I loved our hoover/vacuum so much I thought I'd blog about it, he wasn't exactly supportive of the idea. I know it's not very exciting, but after years of horrible vacumms, it's just nice to have one that works amazingly.

And looks pretty.

I did a fair bit of research before deciding on the Miele. I felt particular pressure to get a Dyson - the great British invention of the 20th c. But I'd used them before and wasn't impressed. They are clunky, heavy and freakishly expensive. So, after some debate, Miele it was.

Nice compact design, but with a long handle so you're not stooping over.

 

 

Good range of suction options

 

I like that the attachments are stored inside the compartment - nothing hanging off the long handle, like usual.

 

Given we have a dog and wooden floors, you can imagine the dust and fur that collects. So we do a fair bit of hoovering (or truth be told, Ole does). The Miele is a champion and I highly recommend it as a superior quality vacuum.

Neither rain nor sleet nor snow...

Yes, we are running in the snow. Awoke this morning to a good few inches, which had fallen over night. The last couple of weeks had been snow-free, although with a bit of rain.

Anyway, we've got our winter running kit on. Both of us have long leggings and long-sleeved shirts, which are essential for protecting your skin against the cold wind. A recent purchase though is proper running hats and gloves.

 

I like how the hat has a little hole for you to stick your ponytail through. (It'll be coming off next week, though, but more on that later.)

 

Snow-bound

Our lives - along with all news, talk in the office and this blog - have been dominated by snow these past few weeks. It is the coldest and snowiest winter in Britain in more than 30 years. Contrary to popular belief, we don't have severe winters here; the weather on the isle is quite mild, which means no real summer and no real winter. So nobody quite knows what to do with the snow.

But we do!

Necessary items

 

Wrapped up for the walk to work

 

Armed with camera for picturesque scenes

 

 

 

 

 

Cleared paths out back

 

Taken on the day we ate cake

I love a holiday cake diet.

Before

 

24 hours later

 

Walking in a winter wonderland

On New Year's Day we awoke to a veritable winter wonderland. It had snowed considerably (for us, anyway) over night and beautiful fresh powder was everywhere! I wish I had skis or at least a sled!

We had planned on going on a long walk as usual, but decided to take a different route in light of the snow and visited Jesmond Dene.

Down Holmwood Grove

 

Signs of merriment from the night before

 

 

 

Gorse in the snow

 

Down at the Dene - note new wellies

 

 

 

Bridge over River Ouse

 

What we did while we waited

We watched it snow out front...

 

 

... and it snow out back

 

We re-arranged the lounge

 

and took a nap