September heralds autumn; a still warm sun, glorious colours and a calmer atmosphere.
Just what is is needed after this summer's turbulence in life, and the storm and flood ridden weather.
It is my favourite season. While spring is always welcome, its promise of months of sunshine, fun and relaxation is so often unfulfilled.
I have never liked the eighteen hours of light yet hate the thought of the months of Scandinavia's darkness.
Yes, we never know what the winter will bring and thankfully, at least in South Wales, it is more likely to be mild - and wet.
We seldom have to endure blizzards and snowdrifts.
With coronavirus sill haunting and taunting us that would be a disaster.
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| Bob, in Cardiff in the winter of 1982 |
I shudder to imagine another winter like 1982 when Cardiff was under deep snow for over a week.
As Emergency Information Officer for South Glamorgan I was literally in the thick of it, trudging three miles into the ciy center for early morning briefing meetings with council, police and emergency services.
The Skinner family house, January 1982
At home after sixteen-hour working days I would be awoken by the BBC for a resume of the day and news of tomorrow's services.
Robert clears the drive, January 1982
The Prince of Wales came to visit a local garden centre destroyed by the blizzard.
There were only two other such memorable snow winters, 1963 and 1947- perhaps the most damaging.
Britain was struggling to return to normal life after the devastation of war, a month after I was demobilised.
This winter looks like being one to endure rather than enjoy, especially for old people.
Will we care home residents be able to venture out again on our own or spend months more just looking out?
I might even look forward to a white Christmas, even though I won't be out snowballing.
And certainly, no blizzards.
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