Where are the snows of Oxfordshire?

[nineveh_uk]

Non-existent, that's where they are. We have had one measly shower this winter, and I saw some in the Cheviots from the car, but that is IT for my experience of snow in the winter of 2022/23. Which means that I have been boiling over with envy the last week as I receive photographs from Middle Sister's family skiing holiday in the Alps, see cross-country skiing in Norway on facebook, and watch the biathlon and alpine skiing world championships. Though admittedly in yesterday's biathlon relay* it was bucketing down with rain and I would not have wanted to be there. But oh, elsewhere the snow and the blue skies and the grey and I really wish that I were. Maybe next year... I don't feel anywhere near healthy enough for it yet, but I looked at last year's diary and I am better than I was then, so I might as well hope for 2024 whether or not it happens.

This morning I have completed my application** to renew my passport, so that's something, although it will be horrible and post-Brexit. The previous one has only a single visa and no stamps at all in it. The new one seems unlikely to repeat that even without the pandemic. Unless Brexit means we get the queues but no stamps, which would be in keeping with its worst of all worlds operating principles.

* Biathlon relay in strong winds is great, it really brings out one's inner sadist as people crumble under the combination of the additional technical challenge and mental pressure.

** Photo makes me look like a maungy cow/totally humourless border guard, which as passport photos go counts as really not bad.