I don't know about you but I seem to remember spring lat year as being a bit of a heat wave. Just having had two weeks off at the end of March, I was looking forward to some walking in them there hills. But as I only have my ducking badge from the swimming lessons, I thought it wise to avoid the countryside altogether in case of water wing emergency.
As for the snow, well, that took us by surprise a bit. We all have that picture in our heads of Bing Crosby singing 'White Christmas' while the back of the building is removed to reveal a wonderful snowy scene, and we all feel snuggled and warm in our reminiscences. The reality, however was somewhat different. The ice storm on top of the snow fall created what can only be descried as 'treacherous' conditions. I couldn't make it out of the road on foot, never mind in a car. Even the dog struggled with the Creme Brulee of ice that accompanied his trip for a drip.
The second fall of snow caused an even bigger headache as the accompanying cold conditions froze pipes up and down the island, which burst once the ground started to thaw. Newport was in serious danger of having its water supply cut off while mains pipes were frantically being fixed by the gallant people from Southern Water. The Isle of Wight Council brought in staff and various voluntary organisation (including Age UK IOW) to deliver bottled water to those who are recorded as being 'vulnerable'. In the end the water stayed very firmly on, much to everyone relief.
We British are well known for being obsessed with the weather. Well, can you blame us?
As for the snow, well, that took us by surprise a bit. We all have that picture in our heads of Bing Crosby singing 'White Christmas' while the back of the building is removed to reveal a wonderful snowy scene, and we all feel snuggled and warm in our reminiscences. The reality, however was somewhat different. The ice storm on top of the snow fall created what can only be descried as 'treacherous' conditions. I couldn't make it out of the road on foot, never mind in a car. Even the dog struggled with the Creme Brulee of ice that accompanied his trip for a drip.
The second fall of snow caused an even bigger headache as the accompanying cold conditions froze pipes up and down the island, which burst once the ground started to thaw. Newport was in serious danger of having its water supply cut off while mains pipes were frantically being fixed by the gallant people from Southern Water. The Isle of Wight Council brought in staff and various voluntary organisation (including Age UK IOW) to deliver bottled water to those who are recorded as being 'vulnerable'. In the end the water stayed very firmly on, much to everyone relief.
We British are well known for being obsessed with the weather. Well, can you blame us?