We really haven't had any pukka Winter yet. We had the tiniest of frosts one morning, but otherwise it really hasn't been cold, nor has it rained much.
My brand new Barbour had remained unused since its purchase over two months ago, so I was quite pleased to wake-up yesterday to some light drizzle. I was desperate to give my new coat a test run. It worked well, although it will need more than 15 mins of light drizzle to really put it through its paces. Lady M has a long jacket Barbour which she claims is not 100% waterproof. I'm sure mine will be OK.
Of course Jan/Feb are often deceptive months with our real Winter weather reserved for Spring. March, April, and May, can be very wet months, and Winter can drag-on until we're almost screaming towards June. All that remains to be seen, but for the moment everything goes well; we dress normally and the skis remain in the loft.
My next 'problem' will be sourcing a new hat. Of course I have my beret, and for ear-pickling cold I have my cheap Ushanka, but I have nothing to wear to repel rainwater. Many years ago I had a wonderful brown Harris Tweed flat cap that I adored. Sadly some Parisian beauty with Bambi eyes asked if she could borrow it.... and I never saw it again.
I'm putty in their hands.
Your relationship, nay, obsession with weather is a mystery to me. It's either too hot, too cold, too this. Now, when you should rejoice that there is little cold and little rain as tends to be in the South of England, you complain you haven't been able to test your Barbour properly. Well, it's Lady M who has to live with you. And, of course, you yourself.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, good luck with finding the right waterproof head gear. I can see your post on that one now: "I bought this great cap. I can't try it out. It's June and the bloody sun is shining".
Happy Sunday,
U
You will be interested to hear (no doubt) that it's blowing a hooley here; as it probably is where you are. Always something to talk about with weather.
DeleteWinters here usually strike in mid to late February. We have had frosts here in eastern England throughout January. It has been the perfect winter for farmers and growers so far.
ReplyDeleteTerrific wind here this morning. I was worried for the trees in the churchyard.
DeleteWe had strong winds last night, calmer this morning.
DeleteOur "Big Snow" of 2013 over here was in March so plenty of time yet!
ReplyDeleteMother Nature likes to trick us into thinking that Spring is on its way.
DeleteSo sorry to hear you lost your Harris Tweed Cap. Thanks for the warning about Parisian beauties who sound rather like Thai beauties.
ReplyDeleteHow could I say no?
DeleteNot sure whether you are trying to kid us into thinking that is you in the photo - if so you are not succeeding (with me at any rate). My darling farmer (who I think would have slept in his flat cap if I let him) always wore Harris Twwws flat cap and jacket for best. I have his last cap on the wall in the bedroom.
ReplyDeleteNo, not me. Me and snow don't mix. I can't stand the stuff. I really miss that cap, I think it was the only hat that really suited me.
DeleteMy birthday month, February, is usually when we get snow. I can remember snow in May so there is plenty of time for you to get good use of your outerwear !!! Very windy here today so I think I’ll stay indoors. XXXX
ReplyDeleteI do remember it snowing on Easter day in France one year.
DeleteFor headgear may I suggest a knitted balaclava with a bobble on the top. Ask Lady Magnon nicely and she will knit it for you. You will look so cool on your dogging walks.
ReplyDeleteLady M wears something of that ilk, and has become something of a tourist attraction.
DeleteWhat does Shirley wear when you are out for your dogging walks YP?
DeleteI have an Alpaca hat, which was an impulsive purchase due to the cost of it.
ReplyDeleteHowever, it's a wonderful hat, toasty warm and extremely water repellent, and therefore worth every penny paid for it!
My Barbour is getting a bit old now, but is not getting replaced until it starts to fall apart! X
You should see my old Barbour; it's literally in tatters, but I shall still wear it in France.
DeleteYou do realise that using the title Barbour, rather than just new coat is the same as Iphone users referring to their 'Iphone', rather than just moblie? I did a post on possession snobbery once. Shame about the Harris tweed hst.
ReplyDeleteI was hoping for some freebies. Barbour hat, Barbour hamper, Barbour watch, etc. Nothing yet.
DeleteVery cold and blustery here in Lincs today, although some sunshine. I'm glad it's Paul's turn to take Rick out this afternoon!
ReplyDeleteCalm and sunny now, after a very blustery start. But I do need a hat.
DeleteHere in the South East we have had lots of frosty mornings. There is often also a cold wind.
ReplyDeleteCity life is always a tad warmer than country life. I don't know where you are, but we've had it very mild so far.
DeleteBarbour wax coats are wonderful and provide excellent protection in the rain. I've had one coat re-waxed and it is just like new. Classic fur hats can be lovely too. When it is below freezing, the Barbour is not warm enough and a down coat or ski jacket works better.
ReplyDeleteNo, it's not very warm, and it's quite heavy. A few thermal undies do the job.
DeleteI've heard of folks so generous that they would give you the shirt off their backs. Never about the man who would give you the cap off his head.
ReplyDeletePS: Lets just not talk about winter weather for a while. I'm about fed up with shoveling, and we've got more on the way.
ReplyDelete'Lending' my hat was a moment of madness. I learnt my lesson. No snow here thank goodness, I hate it.
DeleteWinter has not left us in doubt over here. Consecutive weekends of blizzard conditions. About 30" the first weekend and 18" this past weekend, in the thousand mile storm. No need for a hat; it was stay indoors weather.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like REAL winter. I'm not sure I could cope with that.
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