HafrenLMP1

The change is noticeable, and my PC goes into dark mode at a certain time each night; it's not long ago it was about 21:40-50. This evening it was before 21:00.....

There are some long gaps between Bank Holidays, and yet some are clustered together. 3 months between May Whit, and end of August, then another longer period until Christmas....Really needs one, or two in the autumn; it's not like we have loads compared to other nations.

I'm conflicted really. I like the best of what autumn can offer, and if we've had a nice summer, then I'll welcome it. However, if we get another poor month, like July, then I'll feel slightly 'short-changed' and won't be as welcoming towards autumn - as it seems as if we've already had the start of it.

I recall a few bike rides from late July in 2015, and thinking it felt very autumnal - and wondering what the autumn/ winter would bring. As we know, it wasn't pleasant; wet, wet & windy.......

It gets earlier; the kids are still on summer holidays......I remember a time when Bonfire Night was a far bigger deal......

I like the early part of September when it can be sunny & warm, but stepping out the front door early morning you get that 'nip' in the air, that tells you it's not summer. Frosts before November seem to have become rare - I recall as a paperboy in the mid 80s getting frosts in late September. (1986 from memory). Come mid October, and my food & drink choices change; out go the light ales, IPAs, etc and in come the dark ales, Stouts & Porters, plus casseroles, hot pots and fruit crumbles.

Apart from the leaves on the trees, it could be October.....

It depends really - saying that, I can cope with higher temps, but prefer the mid 20s. And if i'm out on a cycle ride 25 is a nice temperature.....though back in July 2021 it was close to 30, and that was uncomfortably hot (though it was a few days after my 2nd Covid jab, and I probably shouldn't have gone out in it).

I haven't been to RIAT since about 2009; fortunately we had tickets for the Saturday and it was glorious. However the Sunday was grey & wet, and plenty of people were leaving early looking somewhat rather wet. And a 'flat display' isn't quite the same as the full fat version.

I'm reminded of an interesting thread discussing winter a few years ago; whilst we like the idea of winter in its purest sense; cold, crisp & blue skies with a pale sun. However, its usually grey, wet & miserable......

Yeah, have got the Ninja 15-in-1, and the Ninja grill.....couldn't manage without them. Haven't touched the electric oven for ages....

A really strange one to rate; I class winter as December - February, so a 90 day season. Out of those 90 days I reckon there were barely 20 proper cold days. We had the mid December cold spell which was welcome, but no snow at all, and it ended quickly, just in time for Christmas which was the usual mild rubbish, which lasted well into New Year. A short spell mid January which was cold, but since then it was pretty grim. Not cold, and at times not really mild.....and plenty of grey nothingness, especially February which is becoming a rubbish 'winter' month. I suppose the only positive, is there was plenty of usable weather for getting out walking/ cycling, and there were few storms and disruptive weather. Seeing as the cold/ snow was in March, I don't include it in my rating. As I'm feeling generous, I'll rate it 5/10.

When I see he's doing the weather, I often mute the TV....

Yeah, it's not the same getting snowfall when it's light in the morning/evening.....Much prefer opening the windows early morning when it's still dark, and there's snow on the ground.

Ha ha, I thought I'd have a short bike ride before watching Cheltenham.......I was only out for 5 mins before the hail came down; everywhere was briefly white...10 mins later the sun came out...

Merseyrail are going for the Met Office forecast, as they've cancelled the first trains running tomorrow morning...

Yeah, it will be that cold icy rain......whilst other places get snow. Typical.....

I was only thinking about something similar over the weekend; where do I rate/ think of this winter. We had a promising start, with 10-14 days of cold weather, which seemed encouraging - but alas brought next to no snow. However, predictably it disappeared just in time for the festive period; which ended up being mild, wet & miserable. We then had a period of lousy weather, until another short cold spell, but again, no snow. I'm reminded of that saying, "get the cold in, and the snow will follow"...... Since then, it's been tedious.....not cold, and sometimes not even mild.....But endless grey nothingness days.... However, there's been plenty of 'usable' weather for outdoor activities, whether it's walking or cycling. It certainly hasn't been the worst winter, but it's been quite non-descript (apart from the December cold spell).

I have been on a training course for the last week, and when walking the station it is noticeable that the daffs, crocus and snowdrops are making an appearance. Signs that spring is approaching, yet it's been a while since it really felt like winter.....Even when cloudy it's been pretty mild.

Yeah; personally I want the cold at the darkest part of the year; December - January.....when it gets lighter I'm looking forward to spring. Who knows what any SSW will bring......

Yes, too many people think having a 4x4 is all they need, and can drive as normal. The problem is a lot have low profile summer tyres on...... There's a video on Twitter of a Range Rover stuck, and a Panda 4x4 overtaking it and driving off up the hill.....

Yeah, 2018 is that last time we had a proper fall; everything since then fails the 'grass test'.....It's a wintery scene, but barely a dusting.

We've been paying for that fall ever since; even the BFTE didn't bring much - and had mostly disappeared by mid afternoon, apart from those areas in shade.

It's a thread I tend not to go in very often, but thought I would......

The type of weather I compare to a bad smell/ unwanted house guest.......It just won't go. Have been out for another evening walk, and it's rather mild, and there's less lights/decorations up in houses now. Three weeks ago we were hoping it might just be a brief mild interlude, but soon realised it wasn't. And not only that, the cold departed pretty quickly.....