The snow began while I was in the air on my way home from Barcelona. Within minutes Gatwick airport, in Sussex, was closed.
There are many things I love about England - the dismal way in which they handle the snow is definitely not one of them. Every year it snows. Every year the transport infrastructure doesn't cope and, often within minutes, shuts down. There are many colder countries who seem to manage to continue to opperate...I'm not quite sure why England can't...
My flight yesterday circled for 30 minutes as i gazed down over snow covered fields. Finally we landed and I decided to catch the train home - but of course the trains were in chaos...i finally got home 1.5 hours later than I expected. It would have been worse had I being flying home today. the snow is falling heavily now and I guess i would have been stranded in an airport somewhere...
It's a white world...with layers of snow on the window sill, sitting prettily on a cobweb. It's silent and gentle...and, somehow, though for me a normal christmas is barbeques and the swimming pool, it feels like Christmas.
Today the plan is to enjoy the traditional christmas meal with friends. My 'horsham gang' is made up of six girls who have been friends since high school and their partners. years ago i wrangled my way into this group and became close to all of them...every year for as long as anyone can recall they have got together for a christmas meal in december. they take turns being the hosts...this year is Kate's turn. This is the second year i have been invited - a break from tradition only offered to Matt and me - which I take to be a great compliment of our friendships...
Turkey, pudding, plenty of wine - there will be enough for everyone to bog in and eat themselves silly. And even more so now as the snow threatens to ruin the travel plans of those further away. Luckily for Mel, Liam and I, Kate and Aled's place is literally around the corner. The turkeys are in our oven here and we will pass them accross the fence when the time comes. Others are further away and driving is impossible in this weather. Much to all of our disappointment we may be a much smaller group than usual...
The locals, having to deal many with snow related issues over the past few weeks are completely sick of it. I, being an sun soaked aussie fresh off the boat can't help but sit at the window with the cats, staring out and marveling at the sparkling beauty of the falling snow...despite all the problems it causes...
till next time...
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