The Big Freeze has given way to The Big Thaw. As temperatures rose
to a balmy 4 or 5 degrees, the snow melted, producing lots of dirty slush,
puddles of water and treacherous patches of ice.
I never thought I'd say I was glad to see the snow go - but I almost am.
When we on a national and individual level are as ill-prepared for the
arctic weather which descended on Ireland for the past two weeks, it's no
fun. At least three elderly people have died after slipping outside their
homes during this cold spell, so I felt guilty for delighting in the
snow. I am relieved to see a return to dull dreary Irish weather
as it means things will get back to normal. But it mightn't be for long
as more cold weather is forecast for the end of next week so maybe
we will have a White Christmas.

After I took this pic, the autofocus on my E P1 stopped working. I can
still focus manually but the autofocus keeps hunting and won't lock:(
At the very least it means a trip to the camera shop tomorrow rather
than Christmas shopping.