WARNING: This post contains moderate / severe amounts of whinging, moaning and general gnashing of teeth about this seemingly-never-ending flippin' cold weather.
There seem to be a lot of posts around in the blogosphere remarking on how it's February already, and how has January disappeared so quickly. I have to say I too am amazed it's February - surely we've been freezing our bums off in Blighty for the past six months at least. Surely it must be mid-March already, or even better mid-April. But no, alas, it is only February 1st - which means we could, potentially, be stuck with this freezing cold winter for another two months or so. Really, I don't think I could physically take another two months of this.
I don't know what it is about this winter in particular that I've found so very difficult. I've lived through some freezing cold winters before - the winter of 1979 is one (which had the added complication of practically the whole country being on strike as well), and the winter of 1981 / 82 when it was so bitter one night that the shampoo froze solid in the bath room. And through both those winters we didn't have the luxury of central heating. I vividly remember icy mornings when I was a child and having to peel the net curtains away from the windows where they had frosted up on the inside.
I was around in the big freeze of 1962 / 63 but I don't remember it, and this winter certainly has nothing on the ferocious snows of 1947. My Mum remembers both those winters but even she says she's had quite enough of this winter now. Even P, who hails from Alpine Switzerland, is bemoaning the constant battle with being cold this year. Saturday evening we settled down to watch a film and I was wearing three layers of clothes and was wrapped in my knitted blanket, P was also wearing three layers - one with a hood which he had up - and he was wrapped in a fleece blanket with a shawl across his chest for added warmth. And we were still cold, and that was with the central heating going full blast. Although probably watching 'The Day After Tomorrow' was not the best viewing choice given how cold we were.
I really dread to think what our gas bill is going to be. How on earth do people in the snowy parts of Europe or North America ever afford to keep warm when every winter is at least as cold as this - and probably much colder? Seriously, I'd love to know if anyone can enlighten me.
Anyways, I will STOP MOANING NOW. At least the sun is out today which means I can get the washing dried outdoors for a change. And, and, and surely, pretty please, this cold weather will b*gger off soon.
Just got my gas bill- gulp! And my thermostat is set at 15 degrees C. Like your charity shop bargains- most around here charge silly money for stuff, not many bargains to be had.
Posted by: www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawkXIU-EgYS1BBVrBbQh-OTcsPHcipe4k9Q | 02/01/2010 at 07:51 PM
How I agree with you. When the snow was around I got to the point where I just could not bear it any longer. During 1962/3 I was at school in Frinton and the sea froze: it was that cold. Although I can remember it being awful I did not get so fed up with it. Must be an age thing!
Posted by: Lindsey | 02/01/2010 at 08:21 PM
I'm right with you and let's join in together and have a good moan about the weather and those who don't can obviously afford the gas!!! which I really can't so I'm wrapped up like an eskimo which is not stylish outside of the arctic circle!!!! Roll on summer
Posted by: frugal queen | 02/01/2010 at 10:20 PM
i live in North East United states and it is mighty cold, but not as cold as Montreal, believe me.
I think that besides the heating system, it helps that we have excellent insulation, and air tight double pane windows. just the same, in winter I cook and bake a LOT. hehe
it is true - gas bill is ridiculous -
usually +-$300/ month.
oh - almost forgot - I also practice heated yoga- 108F. that will warm an iceberg.
Posted by: Manu | 02/02/2010 at 05:07 AM
I to am really fed up with the cold weather. Glad to hear it is just not me who is moaning about it.
Have been following your blog for some time now and love it. Think we must be of a similar age as a lot of what you remember and talk about sounds so familiar to me and brings back lots of memories. Interesting to hear that you once lived in Nottingham as that is where I live.
Posted by: Gilly | 02/02/2010 at 02:26 PM
I've worked out my gas bill will be £500+ for the quarter!! eek - that's what happens when you live in a very energy inefficient loft with NO INSULATION and have a new baby - good job I plan to move this year I can't face these huge bills again!!
Posted by: Amy | 02/02/2010 at 06:29 PM
Had to laugh at this, Elizabeth, as last Saturday evening, we too were watching The Day After Tomorrow, all wrapped up in fleecy blankets on the sofa and bemoaning the cold!!
Posted by: Caroline | 02/03/2010 at 08:26 AM
I read todays piece out to my husband and said 'there - I'm not the only one whingeing! We have been dressed in all the same layers as you but with the addition of fingerless gloves. I had my photo taken which I can look at in the summer when I'm too hot!
Posted by: Wendy | 02/04/2010 at 10:28 AM