Long Winter

April 5th, 2013

I’m currently wondering what’s happened to the spring, having worked today in blizzard conditions over at Hastings and it being the 5th of April, it has kind of prompted me to post something. Driving to work I notice an odd show of rather sad daffodils, looking like they wish they hadn’t bothered. Other than that, glancing across the horizon and over the wooded hilltops there is not a leaf in sight, as if spring is emerging in slow motion. Wildlife is suffering with bird eggs remaining unhatched because of the cold weather, farmers have lost 100,000 sheep this winter due to either the inability to access them with feed, or they are being literally buried by blizzards, either way… they’re dead and not much cop, unless you happen to be hiking in Snowdonia with a shovel, a butcher and a backpack full of cooking equipment. These grey skies and bitter winds tend to suck out the serotonin and spring is welcomed by many with relief as the landscape explodes in to colour, the smell of blossom fills the air and longer brighter days evaporate away the mental mould accumulated throughout the long winter months, this year however, the mould lingers for many and the onset of warmer, brighter weather couldn’t come sooner. I could begin to babble on about my thoughts on whether or not I think this prolonged winter is a by-product of global warming, but my feelings are, that there are so many variables scientifically and such diverse opinion on the subject, it would be pointless. All I will say is, ‘The weather is different.’

Entry Filed under: General