Coming home to NBTS from Hartburn today I found myself in that magical moment, that leaning back on a dining chair wondering whether it will topple over or not moment - that special moment of wondering whether we were going to have "proper" snow or not.
Deep down I knew that it was not to be, but I wonder if you, like me, find yourself half wishing that it would be a real deep proper snow. Of course, we also know how awful snow is after the first fall, we know all the problems - the chapped hands, the cold, the mess, the filthy salted roads, the difficulty getting around - but it's somehow worth it for those glorious moments of being wonderfully snowed in.
Suddenly out comes the Dunkirk spirit. It's wartime again. Neighbour helps neighbour to dig themselves out. Those who can make it to the shop fetch things back for those who can't. All of us watch the skies for the next fall and eagerly exchange conversations about the previous times of heavy snow.
Naturally, there's always a bore from Scotland or Siberia or somewhere who has seen it much worse/ had it far colder/ seen the actual sea freeze, but we try to ignore such people as we luxuriate in our temporary snug haven of snow. With luck, some plucky fellow from the other side of the village will make it through the drifts to visit - with epic tales of long and difficult journeys home.
Everyone will agree that the gritters didn't come out until it was too late, and that any downside of the whole affair will broadly be the council's fault.
So, as I drove home, almost mesmerised by the little snowflakes rushing past my windscreen, these thoughts came crowding in. In actuality, by Pegswood the flakes had turned slushy, and by Ashington itself they were merely rain.
For a moment, I was almost sad.
It's got to be really baltic like before we get snow. Especially being just a stone's throw from the sea ... but who knows. We got quite a lot last year one weekend and took the boys on the beach and had a snowball fight ... now that was cold but damn good fun also....
Posted by: Angela | January 24, 2007 at 10:48 AM
when do the gritters come out just at the right time....... erm NEVER! Alyssia is waiting patiently for snow here in yorkshire as she cant wait to build a snowman.............. she may have a long wait
Posted by: fave sis michelle | January 24, 2007 at 11:18 AM
I had a friend who lived at Percy's farm cos her dad worked there and her mother was a teacher at the middle/first school(?) Mrs Rogerson (Remember Jason, Toni?) They moved to Hartburn about 30 years ago. I went trhough a coupla times but lost touch, as often happens. They lived at a small farm with a clock tower in the courtyard. If ever we go to Wallington I ask David to slow down so I can see if I can still see the clock tower, but no. He likes his speed ... Apologies for digressing a little
Posted by: Angela | January 24, 2007 at 12:11 PM
I absolutely love knee deep snow its fantastic - but not outside my front door. Actually not in my street either, or even Ashington Drive....... but I DO REALLY LOVE IT!
Posted by: christine | January 24, 2007 at 10:40 PM
I absolutely love knee deep snow its fantastic - but not outside my front door. Actually not in my street either, or even Ashington Drive....... but I DO REALLY LOVE IT!
Posted by: christine | January 24, 2007 at 10:40 PM