March 02, 2005, 7.30 AM

The sound of happy children, that is what woke me up and told me there was snow. But how much I could never have thought of...........

The night before I walked at  my dog, at 10.30, just before going to bed.

It was snowing, that dust-like white stuff that looked like icing sugar. The sort of snow that can go on and on but which could never created a thick blanket, covering every little bit in the village. How wrong was I!!

When I looked outside, I could not believe my eyes, so much snow! Childeren were running around, palying, laughing. Adults were out on the street having as much fun as the kids. No one could stay indoors. I fed my zoo and let my dog out in the back yard. She became instantly a little puppy, running around like mad.............

Not long after I took my digital camera, called the dog and off we went, out in the snow. Dog is always on a lead but this time, with no borders everywhere, she walked free, enjoying the cold white snow. I walked, talked, took pictures and felt like being in the middle of a fairy tale. Unbelievable beautiful. Not cold, more like a Spring day, no wind but still snowing.

On my way to my mother I forgot all about the slippery raod and yes, fell twice!! Gosh, my hip, was it well enough to handle it? The X-rays of Monday showed a healthy new hip which still had to grow in. But fortunately all went well and no other damage then a sore knee and, later on that day, aching muscles!

Mum couldn't stop talking about the snow, she has trouble seeing things but this, waering sunglasses, was not a real problem to her. After our daily chat, I walked a few kilometres and took more pictures which I am now sharing with you.

When will this happen again, so much snow? It is very rare in Holland. Have a look and enjoy it as much as I did.

Ike