There was a heavy hail storm that left a layer of slushy ice on the ground, and running water on the paths. Thunder roared overhead and the chap who sits under a tree in all weathers with his dog decided to make a move.
People had been gathering at the bowls club but they all left and drove off during the hail storm. The pitch was covered and, if our lawn is anything to go by, it took an hour or two to melt.
Daniel took some aerial shots of the snow yesterday over the Boxhill Park Recreation Ground, with the Workhouse Estate to the right.
The pictures allows us to study the paths of the dog walkers.
Today I walked round the same recreation park, in the sun. In this picture Boxhill Road is in front, and the Workhouse Estate behind.
Beside Boxhill Road, a new line of fruit trees were added last autumn to replace some cherry trees that were thought to be diseased. There are apple trees (of various varieties), pear trees (Conference) and plum trees (Victoria). The pear trees (shown above) and plum trees are in full blossom.
It is easy for a non-expert to tell them apart thanks to the descriptive labels.
It does not appear, at this stage, that the blossom has suffered from the snowfall. This is plum blossom.
Just before 9 am this morning some barbers were already busy. Queues had formed outside those yet to re-open.
Pubs with gardens, like the Nags Head, were all prepared and have been taking bookings.
Pubs, non-essential shops, hairdressers, indoor gyms, and nail salons can all re-open from today under the easing of Covid lockdown restrictions.
Snow had been forecast but it was still a surprise to see it mid-April.
Flowers and plants huddled down to keep warm until the snow melted.
The Monday Market had all the stalls back again for the first time this year.
P.S. By noon, the sun was shining and the snow had melted.
Sunny weather came to Abingdon and it made for a much warmer walk by the River Ock.
I have started to see letters appearing for the Carswell School Easter Trail which runs during the holidays between Friday 2nd April– Sunday 18th April 2021. The letters will make a seasonal phrase.
There were quite a few people out enjoying the sunshine in the Albert Park.
Squirrels also seem to enjoy the sun.