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For the first time this season, we have live music in Rocks, and for the first time in almost 2 years, things felt like they were finally back to normal. The place was absolutely packed, with a wonderful atmosphere. The band are called ‘Cuckoo’, and they play a lot of traditional Irish stuff, along with some modern songs.

They sang ‘Happy Birthday’ for me, and everyone was very generous. I certainly didn’t have to buy many drinks. The music finished after a couple of hours, and we wandered down to the Eiger for a very nice dinner. Later it was back to Rocks for cocktails, before walking home in a snow flurry. Super evening.

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The 25th of February has rolled around again, so for the umpteenth time, it’s my birthday. I had some nice cards…

… and lots of messages via more modern media, so thanks everyone who thought of me today.

Ryan, our Olympic champion, has a new banner over the main street.

While Val was at work up at Scheidegg, there was a big avalanche on the north face of the Eiger.

Needless to say we’ll be off to Rocks later, and there’s live music tonight. Should be good!

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Pink skies and the moon outside Chalet Iltis this morning. Val is off to work.

Up at Scheidegg, the owners of these skis have gone for coffee before starting their lessons.

Queues for the lifts at Arven. The usual lunchtime rush to get a seat in a restaurant.

Another nice day to be in the mountains.

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We’ve had a few days of poor weather, so it’s nice to see the sun this morning. It’s great for the guests of course, but also for the dozens of instructors whose job it is to keep the kids happy.

I had a check-up in Interlaken, and I got some shopping while I was down there, including a lovely bright lamp to read my music by.

Val has a new ski suit, all the way from the U.K.

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The snow continued all night, and this morning the shopkeepers have the task of clearing their terraces.

Later on, the sun came out, and it turned into a very pleasant day. Here are Val’s crew, ready to go.

Pub later, apparently there’s a DJ tonight.

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Val was out early in a howling gale this morning. I almost felt guilty staying in bed. Up at Scheidegg, lifts are closed and no one seems to know what to do. You can see the bare ridges that have been stripped of snow by the wind.

The snow continued all day, and Val was quite happy when her afternoon class cancelled. It’s still snowing now, and the wind is howling down the chimney. I haven’t set foot outside all day.

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It’s been a nice day – bright and mild. Wengen is looking distinctly spring-like, and a lot of snow has melted on the sunny meadows.

To the south of us however, the clouds are gathering, and according to the forecast we’ll be in the grip of a big storm by morning.

Time to stack up all the balcony furniture I think.