Snow in London

Everyone in the world seems to know that we got about 6 inches of snow here in London.  It's as if something momentous has occurred.  Come on, guys! It isn't as if we are in the Caribbean and have never seen a little snow.  The powers that be, here in London, decided to garage ALL the buses.  We heard of closures on about half the Tube lines.  The city practically ground to a halt.  It would be funny if it didn't actually cause people so much bother.

Okay, I will admit that a big snowfall is rare here, however, not without precedent. I have a gorgeous photo of me and my friend Linda with our daughters when they were small enough to fit in one of those backpack carriers, so that must have been about 8 years ago.

On Monday and Tuesday the schools were closed for a Snow Day.  From my point of view, that was only right.  After all, how many times can we expect to be able to call everything off and go outside to play with the white stuff?  I'm talking about myself and my husband, of course.  We had our fun making boot tracks, uncovering the cars, watching the children fall over in the snow and come up with a splutter and pink cheeks and pulling them around in a teeny, plastic sled. It reminded me of my childhood, having grown up in the snowy winters of New Jersey, except that we got anywhere up to 2 feet of snow and it stuck around for a lot longer.

I don't much like winter or cold weather.  However, the beauty of the snow does make me catch my breath and smile.  It also gives me the excuse to do some of my favourite things:

• Eat a tummy-warming bowl of porridge for breakfast
• Put on my silk long underwear under a very unattractive fleece top without any vanity
• Use my shearling mittens, instead of leather gloves
• Make a big pot of homemade soup (today's is thick, rib-sticking Legume & Barley Soup)
• Cancel all errands
• Pull out the arts & crafts boxes for a few hours of creativity with the kids
• Grab the camera
• Get back into PJ's and robe in the middle of the afternoon and drink endless mugs of hot tea

It has started to rain this morning, so the fun is over for now. The snow will be gone, snowmen melted into sad lumps and all excuses about needing to hide under the duvet or cancel appointments will be in vain.  But, thanks for the memories.

Comments

[Catherine Hoffman]

So proud of your accomplishments and excited for your endeavors!! Cathy Hoffman