Snow!!!
Snow!!!
Yeah. I don’t know. There’s no doubt it’s pretty. Today I was briefly at Paddington station and snow was fluttering in through the gaps in the old roof, so it was like being inside one of those snow-domes, and Scrooge himself would’ve had to admit it was really beautiful. The view from our lounge window this morning was, again, magnificent. Oh yeah. Snow is quite a looker. Someone really ought to write a novel that starts with London being covered in it.
But – maybe it’s just because it’s happened so much lately – I don’t know, I’m starting to get a bit weary of it. The thing is I do hate the cold, and however much you might coo at snow through the window, in the end you’re walking down a skiddy treacherous street with a biting wind in your face. And kids chuck snow at you from bridges. And your feet go numb. And traffic gets stuck on motorways. And so on.
I hate to admit this but I fear I am going off snow. If it was bang on Christmas, fine. But November 30th? Too early. It’s as bad as a high-street store.
I’m sure I’ll get this sorted when Kit is big enough to toboggan, but in the meantime: is it a(nother) sign of premature middle age to start to feel a bit tired of snow? Or are there other secret snow sceptics out there? Tell me.
Posted by Cat on December 4, 2010
Mark, you know how I feel about snow. It’s amazing and I have now seen it once in my entire life! I will have some thanks! You should try 50 degree (celcius) heat in Australia for Christmas ahahaha. I’m sure you know it can get hot, although when you spend days in it in your underwear with no aircon, I dunno if you’ve done that one yet…!
Posted by Tibbs on December 2, 2010
All the ragging on snow here is making me sad. You should send me all of your snow! (Although not until tomorrow, when Mom gets her winter tires put on).
Maybe I’m able to enjoy snow more because I live in a fairly small city and we’re pretty well prepared to deal with it. We don’t get as much snow here as in the rest of Canada, but enough so that we’ve got a pretty good infrastructure in place. Our buses rarely get canceled, unless it’s an ongoing blizzard, and we don’t get many of those. And people are pretty good at getting their sidewalks cleared right away.
I also probably like it because I still do a lot of fun stuff in snow; I have fairly young cousins so I make snowmen with them, or have snowball fights, and I’ll usually have at least one (slightly more brutal) snowball fight with my brothers when they’re down for Christmas. My family also usually goes skating, which I know you don’t need snow for (and some times it’s annoying having to clear the snow off the lake), but it all kind of melds together in my mind.
I’ll admit, usually by around late February I’ll be getting a bit weary of the snow, since by then we’re getting snowfalls that are heavy enough to stay on the ground for a long time, but infrequent enough that the old snow doesn’t get covered up by any new snow and instead just gets mud-spattered and gross. But that’s only at the end of winter. At the moment we’ve only had a couple of flurries that don’t even stay on the ground more than twenty minutes, which is odd since usually by the end of November we’d've had at least one proper snowfall. So like I said, feel free to send all of your snow over here, where it will be appreciated properly!
Posted by Madeleine on December 2, 2010
I’ve seen snow once in my life. I liked it! I like the cold and it was like nothing I’d ever seen before. Although the day was very sunny and glarey and that seemed kind of wrong.
Don’t think we’ll have to worry about that too much in Australia for much longer though, with the snow seasons getting shorter and shorter and we’ll all be underwater soon anyway and why don’t we all just get under the covers and wait for the end of days?
This comment took a dark turn.
Posted by Sophie on December 1, 2010
I love snow. It turns me into a five year old. It’s beautiful. That was my first thought. My second thought was, “The traffic will be ridiculous. And it will take me an hour and a half to to get to school.” That was a sign that I needed to be less grown up. Snow is magical. I think people should be less cynical and grumpy because it’s best to appreciate what’s there. I love snow. And you all need to smile more.
Posted by Anna Lowman on December 1, 2010
North London has been deeply unsnowy, which means Richard Curtis promises more than he (PERSONALLY) can deliver. I’m with Beth really – snow on Christmas Day is pretty awesome, and there was snow on the ground for my brother’s wedding last year which rocked but I accept that in most cases the idea of it is better than the reality.
Also – I never commented on the podcast idea, but I LOVE the podcast idea! And having done over two podcasts, I think my opinion is pretty valid.
x
Posted by lisan66 on December 1, 2010
I’m going to fix my comment that’s way down there at the beginning somewhere and say that if it’s about three inches of snow, I can live with it, because even though it makes the traffic bad/cancels every bus in the county…at least you can walk in it!
Posted by Ingrid on December 1, 2010
Well most of the time i love it, except today, when i decided to go to school in my Primark pumps (possibly the least water proof things in existence) and my feet got bloody soaked. However we had literally 30 people in our whole school today, so i took my shoes off, put them on a radiator in the art room and went round the rest of the day in socks. I even convinced a few people to join me in shoelessness, so that was a pretty good day. I really dread the day i am sick of snow, because nothing is more fun that falling over in a knee-high snow drift while attempting to drag a sledge up a hill.
At 14 im not to old for sledging am i? x
Posted by Lydia on December 1, 2010
In theory I like snow. I like the snow that means me and my brother can toboggan, but not so much when I have to somehow get myself to college. At the moment we don’t even have snow where I live, just really, really cold wind. I am currently wearing the majority of my clothes and I’m still freezing.
Posted by Juliet on December 1, 2010
Oh shut up Watson, it’s 35°C here… I’m going crazy. Everyone here loves snow, it’s snows once every hundred years in Buenos Aires. I guess we all want the things we don’t have.
Posted by Rachel on December 1, 2010
I’m 17 and I too hate the snow. It looks great, but it seems to have drawn most things about my life to a standstill. That, and my poor rabbit is very wet from a blizzard snowing into her hutch. It only ever falls when I have coursework deadlines looming or big exams that I need to be in college for. I can’t even do my coursework from home because I don’t have Photoshop
It also keeps putting thoughts in my head that myself and two friends won’t be able to see you in Halifax on Saturday. Not good.
Posted by Sam on December 1, 2010
I’m 21, and I hate snow. For all the reasons everyone’s said – the cold and the slush and such – but also because its presence seems to grant complete strangers the right to assault me in the street.
The problem is that, as lovely as snow looks, it’s essentially frozen water. The minute it hits the warm face of an unsuspecting stranger (often me) it becomes icy cold water, and who wants a face full of that? Not me. Do we go out with buckets in rainstorms and hurl what rain we can collect all over passers-by? No. So why is it acceptable with snow?
It’s nothing short of assault, and should be punished with a prison term.
Posted by Aislinn on December 1, 2010
I love snow.
It looks beautiful and it’s the one weather people never fail to be excited at the prospect of. It means days off work and school and things. I also like walking in it; it makes me feel all refreshed. Plus, working at a primary school, it’s lovely to see how much the kids all enjoy it.
I hate snow.
A colleague from work left at 3.30pm yesterday and didn’t finish her usual half-an-hour journey home until 1am. I have lost £50 on two Vampire Weekend tickets because the trains to Brighton are all now cancelled and, as the gig is still going ahead, refunds are not available. Loads of people are suffering similar issues. Also, when it does turn to slush, it makes cycling shit scary. Having cars slide around on the road right next to you whilst you’re trying not to fall over yourself is very intimidating.
Posted by Josie on December 1, 2010
I am 16 years old and I hate snow. It looks lovely when you’re gazing at it out of a window, but not so nice when slush it being thrown up at you by car wheels as you’re walking to work, or when it’s being chucked about, or when you have to walk into school or work in the dark and there’s snow IN YOUR FACE EVERYWHERE.
Also, I hate the snow.
I realise that this viewpoint is a bit weird, but seriously. It’s fine as long as you don’t have to touch it.
Posted by Anji on December 1, 2010
Like Zoe in Plymouth, Exeter is still snowless. We did have about 50 flakes yesterday but mainly just ice and cold.
What I don’t understand are the plonkers that de-ice their cars with water. Which then freezes on the road/paths and makes it hell for everyone else. Countless neighbours do this, and when living on a hill it’s not helpful! And as for the one who last year, kept tipping hot water over her front steps….. Stupidity isnt the word.
Posted by Glamlovinkitty on December 1, 2010
I now see that my previous message was unnecessarily sweary. I do apologise.
Posted by Glamlovinkitty on December 1, 2010
I’m sick of snow. There, I’ve said it. I don’t remember liking it all that much as a child, but I’m 39 now and really fecking hate it. Actually – I like it fine if I don’t have to go anywhere, but we’ve got about 18 inches of the fucker right now where I live, and I’m still expected to get to work as normal. Having to dig the car out every morning as there’s always more snow through the night. No option as buses aren’t reliably running any more, and take an hour longer than the car even in normal weather. Roads not gritted, people driving like arseholes, just horrible. Plus, I can’t see my garden. At all.
FUCK OFF, SNOW!!!*
*but not before I’ve had a chance to make a snowman.
Posted by amycool on December 1, 2010
Thankfully, unlike last year/early this year when we had snow for what felt like forever, we’ve only had it for 2 days so far. It looks very beautiful, mostly because I am inside wearing a massive jumper and I don’t have to leave the house today or tomorrow.
Other good things about snow are that work is a lot easier as hardly anyone comes to the library when it’s like this. The downside of course is that half the staff can’t get in but I find it rather exciting.
As long as it only lasts a few days it’s fine. When people start dying of starvation because they can’t leave their homes and breaking bones from falling over, it stops being fun.
Posted by Lora on December 1, 2010
I’m not a fan of the snow either because it makes everything else difficult after the first day, with things like uni closing and re-opening at very short notice. It’s more the inability of the country to cope with the weather that’s the issue, at least the snow makes everything look nice.
Posted by tothesky on December 1, 2010
Please don’t complain about snow it’s lovely and beautiful. Everything looks better covered in snow. This country is definitely unprepared to deal with it and do agree about the annoyingness of it and the disruption it causes but it’s only a week of your life! I believe everyone should have a a week off, have snowball fights in the park or stay snuggled up inside watching the pretty stuff fall from the sky
The only thing I dislike about it is the news coverage it brings. It’s weather, not headline news. More important things are happening than people making snowmen and raods being blocked. But otherwise the snow is not your enemy!
Also, thank you for signing my copy of Bullet Points in Coventry a few weeks back. I really enjoyed the show, as did my brother (who I had to take after mt silly friends cancelled on me). It was the first comedy gig he went too and he was a bit apprehensive but he loved it! Thanks!
Posted by Becca on December 1, 2010
I do like snow. It’s pretty. I dread snow coming, and when it comes it disrupts everything, but in the end, it’s something a bit exciting, isn’t it?! I love the freedom to be a child again and play silly games, and I’m comforted by the fact that it will (eventually) melt. I just wish it wasn’t so cold and wet and slippery in between.
Posted by Rachael on December 1, 2010
If it is then I must be middle aged too. I cannot stand being cold, which I am most of the time anyway do the snow is really not helping!
Posted by Clembear on December 1, 2010
Aw, I like snow. You just have to adapt to the weather conditions which English people are awful at. The same instinct that makes us go out in 35 degree heat in the middle of the day without a hat, causes us to not put salt on our pavements or wear boots with grip.
And tobogganing is great which can only happen in the snow. As is snowboarding.
Slush is a bit rubbish, as is dirty black snow which you get in cities and makes you wonder about pollution.
Posted by cymruangel on December 1, 2010
Come back to Oxford. Definitely no snow here (well, there was a sprinkling, but it was more like someone had split some sugar than real snow) – we are the hole in the polo mint that is the UK at present.
I actually very much like snow, probably because we never got much when I was little because I lived near the sea. I do remember 1993 though, when I was old enough to appreciate a day off school for snow! Living in Oxford also means that when it snows now, it’s like being in some sort of giant wedding cake – all beatiful frosted spires and crenellations.
Provided one has a) warm clothes b) a waterproof coat and c) wellies, then snow is no barrier. In fact, I laugh at 3 feet of snow (despite the fact it would probably come up to my waist. If you lot don’t want it, ship it to Oxford please!
Posted by Josh on December 1, 2010
Crikey, while this group may be slightly self-selecting we do seem to have an awful lot of snow bemoaners. I’m hoping that’s nothing to do with your demographic, but who knows.
As for me, I like snow in almost all of its forms. Even slush and ice make me feel like I’m in Russia which is good because Russia’s awesome. The only sort of snow I don’t like much is when there’s not enough snow and it just sits on top of the grass looking blobby and disgusting. The solution? MORE SNOW.
Posted by Tracey on December 1, 2010
Hi Mark. We had some more snow here in Paisley overnight and while it’s pretty to look at it’s no fun to be out in. My spine seems to tense up at the sight of it, although that is more down to me I think, so it means backache and my daughter not being able to get down the hill let alone bus it to college in Glasgow! I’m also panicking at the thought of my husband driving long distances in this weather. Make sure you take care out there! Traceyx
Posted by Dawn on December 1, 2010
I HATE SNOW
Posted by Zoe on December 1, 2010
Aw! Bang goes my snowball fight challenge then Mark. Oh well I’ll have to come up with something else. Snowballs in the bar maybe? Take care out there x.
Posted by Misha on December 1, 2010
As I observed to the boys earlier in a moment of weary wit; “you know you’re getting older when grit salt is no longer the enemy, but a welcome respite from struggling to stay upright.”
I’m a big fan of snow for the first 24 hours where it’s new and fresh and crisp and fun and there’s no school etc. Less so when it’s half melted, packed solid mainly ice and you’ve stil got to somehow skate your way in for a studio session.
It was lovely up the mountains on saturday though.
http://tinyurl.com/2cv5dd7
but the rest of the time i’m a snowy skeptic. For now.
Posted by Shell on December 1, 2010
I love snow on days or evenings when I don’t have to work and can play with the dogs in the garden, go for a well wrapped up walk or stay inside cosy and warm while the world outside is blanketed fluffy white and clean and city sounds are muffled.
I hate ‘having’ to worry about getting to work or back and will the car mist up or take ages to de-ice. I also hate the worry that it will screw up fun gig plans around the country if roads block and trains stop…
Yep, it depends.
Posted by Kathryn on December 1, 2010
I have very fond memories of snow from when I was very little and it was a huge novelty. I’m petrified of falling though. And since I crashed my car after skidding on ice last winter I’m scared it’ll be icy again over Christmas/ the start of January this year and I won’t be able to leave the house at all, on foot or driving. We’ve been lucky to have hardly any here and apparently there’s none at home either so fingers crossed.
Posted by Megan on December 1, 2010
We get a lot of snow in Ottawa (duh), but I don’t mind it much. Dry, cold winter days are lovely. If it’s too close to zero and slushy, yes, it’s gross and horrible.
Luckily (?), our temps from December through early March are cold enough (average is -10C in Jan/Feb, not factoring in windchill) that slush isn’t a huge problem. Ice, on the other hand…
As I’ve mentioned ad nauseam, Canadians love watching British people overreacting at winter weather. With the right equipment, it’s a doddle. Y’all just need snow shovels, winter tires/tyres, and warm boots (Yaktraks optional) and you’ll be fine.
Posted by Alot of rachels on December 1, 2010
it’s not snowing at all where I live, but I agree I love looking out it but bored of the coldness of it and the people in it can be right idiots. and I’m always petrified of falling over in it
my parents have been stuck driving home for nearly 11 hours…it should have taken a couple of hours
Posted by Tina on December 1, 2010
Helloooo…. I came to see your show in Newcastle a couple of weeks ago… think I was the first late person (many apologies – long story to do with work and a lack of a sense of direction)… must say… still curious about the kangaroo. Thought you were absolutely brilliant! Bought your book and (Due to work and uni commitments) just started reading… love the opening chapter and fittingly snowy I thought. Can’t wait to read the rest! x
Posted by Sarah on November 30, 2010
I agree with what a lot of people have said already – it’s absolutely stunning (especially when the snow lines every tree branch, I love that) but it becomes a pain the moment it turns into slush or ice. And it’s far too cold. My tog-rated socks and little handwarmers have been helping, though!
Since most people have more bad things to say about snow than good, I think I’ll add something positive – the snow often seems to bring out the best in people. Last Feb when it was very heavy I was helped by lots of strangers who offered to push my car when I was stuck on ice. Also I find that people tend to chat more rather than keeping to themselves because you’ve instantly got something to talk about. And if you’ve got a nice boss, they might let you leave work before the rush or even work from home, if it’s possible with your job!
Posted by Beth (Bloomability) on November 30, 2010
I’ve been brought up to dislike snow as both of my parents hate the stuff. My dad was involved in an unfortunate sledding incident when he was 5 that left him with a scar, and my Mum has had a few scary experiences driving up to Buxton. Those roads are awful usually, but with snow and ice added too they are the scariest things to drive down (apparently. I can’t drive yet but I’ve had to sit next to my Mum swearing as we skid our way back down to flatter ground).
But even after living in a household of snow hatred, I still love the first light snowfall that comes just before the heavy duty snow starts to stick.
Posted by heatherooo on November 30, 2010
I am also a snow sceptic. I just don’t get the fascination with it. It’s all right when it’s outside looking pretty, and I’m inside, with a blanket and a giant mug of tea, with not a care in the world. But otherwise, it just gets in the way of things, to be honest.
I might be moaning cos it’s being rather disruptive, when it comes to things I need to get done at the moment.
I’m doing my mental health nursing training, and have not long started a placement in the community. And I’ve got all this stuff I’m supposed to be doing, to meet ‘Learning Outcomes’ and such, so I can start my third and final year at the end of January, But I can’t get anything done, cos it’s considered too dangerous to go out on patient visits in the snow. Instead, I’ve spent today and yesterday (and more than likely will spend tomorrow) sitting in an office twiddling my thumbs and drinking tea. (And yes. I know. It sounds like a nice pleasant way to spend your time. But the stress of possibly not making deadlines makes it less pleasant).
So yes. After that little rant. Snow is tiresome. Pretty, but tiresome.
Posted by MusicalLottie on November 30, 2010
Oh, by the way, a tip for stopping toes falling off from frostbite: Inordinate numbers of pairs of socks are not the answer (trust me) – newspaper is! Seriously, a pair of socks and a few layers of newspaper do a far better job than fur-lined boots or suchlike. It’s not guaranteed to keep your feet toasty warm, but it does a fairly decent job
Posted by Dan on November 30, 2010
I think the whole country LOVED snow when there wasn’t any because it was a romantic ideal, then since last years huge downfall they HATE it because turns out its annoying. Typical.
Posted by Rhian on November 30, 2010
I kind of like it, but then it’s not been here for long, and it doesn’t really stop me getting on with the business of going to work and stuff. Well my walk through the park to the office is maybe a couple of minutes longer due to the arduous conditions, but it doesn’t matter cos there’s always lunchtime sledging to look forward to on the finest sledging hill in Sheffield. Whoop whoop. Must remember to take sledge tomorrow.
Posted by Zoe Fell on November 30, 2010
We are still snowless in Plymouth. It’s almost as if the snow has got to Ivybridge, thought “Sod this.” and skipped over into Cornwall. Most bizarre. What we have ended up with however, is lots of frost and ice. Dangerous and horrid and just eugh. As my surname suggests, I’m always the first to go over and ladder a pair of tights on an icy morning.
(I am however, secretly hoping that I get stranded in London next week because of the snow. Getting stuck there, without being able to come back home would be very nice. But shhh. Don’t tell work.)
Posted by Emily on November 30, 2010
I have never liked snow. Yes it can be pretty, but it is a pain. Uni was closed at short notice yesterday, open at short notice this morning, and half closed at shorter notice this afternoon. We have no idea what’s happening tomorrow. I’d probably be less annoyed if I had waterproof shoes that had grip, and food in stock. I’m probably just bitter because I’ve never been sledging though.
Posted by Hal on November 30, 2010
The problem with snow is that it refuses to confine itself to weekends.
And that it’s only pretty on day 1
Posted by MusicalLottie on November 30, 2010
Snow itself is great. Slush and ice are really not! Last time we had snow (February this year) we were well, not snowed in, but iced in – the roads were far too treacherous to drive, and we’re in the middle of nowhere so walking was out of the question – so we couldn’t go anywhere for at least a week, and for a couple of weeks either side we only went out when necessary. As I had no job, that meant I went nowhere, and it drove me insane; I went through a really bad depressive episode because of it. So you’re not alone in hating it!
I think in a way we’re fortunate to live in the middle of nowhere though. If we lived in a town, we’d not be able to claim being iced in and would have to walk along the pavements – which are often more dangerous than the roads. Though we’re always colder than if we lived in a town (our nearest town is always at least a degree warmer) and as I’m always cold anyway, this is Not a Good Thing. As I type, I’m currently wearing five thick layers and my hands and feet are still blocks of ice.
Sorry, rant over. In short: if we could have the snow without the cold weather, I’d love it!
Posted by louisel on November 30, 2010
I’m 16 and I bloody hate snow. We’ve had it for almost a week here, and although initially I was elated at the chance to wear my lush flowery wellies, I’m now sick of it. Yes it’s pretty, but when the buses are stopped and you face a three mile walk home in snow that’s almost knee high, it rapidly loses its ‘ahhhh’ factor.
It did mean that my school was shut today, giving me the chance to make a snowman and catch up on The Apprentice, so it’s not ALL bad. (Note my feeble attempt at optimism …)
But yeah, I don’t think it’s a sign of premature middle age to be a bit tired of snow. I reckon it’s perfectly logical to be a bit wary of cold and slippy stuff falling from the sky that gets in the way of everything, then turns to disgusting slush.
(Sorry if I sound a bit grumpy, only I’ve just heard the weatherman describing ‘blizzard like conditions’ for tomorrow when I’ll be walking to school … Could be interesting)
Posted by Laurs on November 30, 2010
I’m 27 and I detest snow, unless it gives me the day off work and I can stay inside my house and drink hot chocolate and watch great films!
But seriously, I fucking hate snow, it’s dangerous, it’s miserable, it’s boring, and most of all, it stops me from socialising!
And I suppose the temperature it needs to be to snow causes me a lot of pain in my wrist joints, equally not fun.
To summarise, in case I’d not made it clear, I hate snow in all its forms.
Posted by h2osarah on November 30, 2010
I’m 24 and I hate it too. I’ve hated it since primary school. I’m a summer girl. Always have been, always will be.
Posted by Matthew on November 30, 2010
I am 23 and I hate snow. I think it’s part of having stuff to do regardless of the weather and hence having to walk through the cold miserable slippy stuff and put up with the effect it has on transport (especially public transport, I find).
Posted by lisan66 on November 30, 2010
No, not premature middle age at all. I’m 18, and I HATE snow! It’s the worst type of weather ever. The entire country comes to a standstill over it. No one knows how to drive in it. And it’s impossible to find waterproof shoes when the snow is three inches deep. Plus, I’m not in school anymore, so I’ve had to go to uni this week and not avail of the snow day thing, and it’s horrible because it took us an hour yesterday to drive 1km in the stuff, so I missed my first lecture, and then the bus doesn’t go at three, only at six, so you end up being stuck there for longer. And where I go, there’s a giant bridge/hill type thing that you have to cross, which is bad enough in regular rain, but in snow and slush it’s just plain dangerous! And then there’s the fact that the little kids like to throw snow balls filled with stones at buses and old people, which stops both the buses and the old people from being able to get anywhere.
And as for the pretty thing: I’m pretty much blind, so I think snow looks gorgeous without my glasses on, but when I wear them, it starts to look horrible because there’s footprints and leaves and all sorts in it.
I would rather have the snow now than on Christmas day though, because that would stop a lot of my family from being able to travel to Dublin for dinner, present giving etc.
*end of rant*
Posted by Beth on November 30, 2010
Also, I agree with Alex that slush is the worst…
and I clearly meant to write ‘threw’ not ‘through’… But I now cannot change it.
I’ve annoyed myself because of my own grammatical errors!
Posted by Beth on November 30, 2010
Oh, I wholeheartedly agree with you, Mark.
When the first bit of snow fell, it looked quite pretty and that was fine; I could cope with that.
However, now we have about a foot of snow. I almost died in a car crash yesterday because the roads are so bad (that is not even an exaggeration – our family car is now destroyed and today I have had to walk to work which was not not a pleasant experience…) Oh, and a kid through a snowball IN MY FACE today!
If this was happening on actual christmas day, then that would be lovely, but at the moment it’s becoming quite annoying and I would like it to go away, please.
Posted by Alex on November 30, 2010
It’s fine when it’s actually snow but I bloody hate slush. I was actually walking through shin deep snow (very insulating) to avoid the slushy pavement. Bleugh. I haven’t even had cancelled lectures.
We’ve had some thundersnow as well which was very exciting/apocolyptic.