The ice is coming

Actually, the ice is already here. I went outside this morning with wet hands, and almost had frostbite before I made it back indoors. The moor is all about textures of ice underfoot, from the crispness of grass to the iron sheen of open water with many stages in between. It's extraordinary out there.

All day I've been meaning to check what the weather sites were actually saying about the day, but I didn't think till now. We are two hours after sunset, and the temp is minus four; the forecast for the night is minus three. Um, guys? Might want to rethink that? It's not very likely to get warmer from here on in. No rescuing fronts on their way, only more of this.

The big snows have been elsewhere in the country, so far. Don't hold your breath.

In news that may or may not be related, I have not been doing well today. If I had an off-switch, I'd have thrown it. But I don't, so here I am. Grinding on.

That ice we were speaking of

The same weather site currently records the actual temperature here in the city as minus six, while continuing to forecast a low tonight of minus three.

I suppose it's quite honourable of them, not to update their forecasts in view of actuality; but it does look a little silly right now.

I just hope they're not equally wrong about the snow. Currently they speak of light snow in scattered showers. That's fine, I could live with that. 'Specially compared to the blizzard conditions elsewhere.

Gigs!

Also, I keep forgetting to mention: if you're in the north-east, or anywhere you consider striking-distance of Newcastle (cold weather notwithstanding, ya wimp), here are events you should attend:

21st Dec (next Tuesday!), the shortest day of the year: come celebrate the short story at a special event at the Lit & Phil. Yes, it's National Short Story Day! You didn't know there was one. There is now. 7.00pm: Gail-Nina Anderson, Beda Higgins, me. Not a Phantoms event, this is wholly new. My story contains nothing supernatural. Or does it? (£2)

And!

6th January: Twelfth Night is Phantoms Night. Phantoms at the Phil, returning for its seventh glorious year. The classic line-up - Sean O'Brien, Gail-Nina Anderson and me - reading new ghost stories. At the Lit & Phil, 7.00pm, book now to be sure of a place. (£3/£5 members/non-members)

And!

25th January: Burns Night! Not actually at the Lit & Phil, but organised by same at the Union Rooms. A host of writers reading Burns, talking about Burns; also haggis, neeps and tatties for your pleasure. (£10)

All events booked through the Lit & Phil; phone 0191 232 0192, and say that I sent you.