Snow

Normally I love the snow, and for the first couple of days it was fun. No trains, no way the car was moving from the garage, just snuggle up in a comfy couch and enjoy. Three weeks (yes, 3 weeks) later and my enthusiasm is beginning to wane.

I know there are those who have snow for months on end, but that's not our norm. In fact, living near the beach as I do, we rarely get to enjoy the white stuff. The city council are beginning to get the hang of clearing the streets, I just wish the guys would use their brains. They clear the snow and ice to the edge of the pavement, creating huge mounds. This requires significant mountaineering expertise for any pedestrian unfortunate enough to find themselves needing to actually cross from one side of the street to the other. Luckily, I have crampons and the required skills to deal with such impediments - although I have not yet found it necessary to carry my ice axe, any more snow and that too might become an essential accessory for the determined pedestrian.

Some of my fellow writers have commented on how this change in climatic conditions has made them think about how they portray weather in their writing. It's a good thought, and made me wonder if I was neglecting some vital elements in my story telling. I mentioned this to my friend who is an expert in glaciers. I truly wish I hadn't. I really didn't need to know about the jet stream currently occupying a different position to normal, nor that the outcome of this meant that the cold will last until late January at least. My friend was less forthcoming on the long range prospect of a white Christmas - more snow, he told me, is down to local circumstances but chances are the remains of what we currently have will hang around for some considerable time yet.

My nephew thinks that we all could learn from Santa Claus, afterall no matter the weather every Christmas Eve he manages to deliver the presents all around the world. Here's hoping he isn't disappointed.....