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.

Comments

[white_hart]

I'm pretty sure people have told me that Brexit means stamps. Which is sort of exciting, because I've never had a stamp in my passport in 30 years of having one, but not enough to make up for the rest.

[mrs_redboots]

Brexit totally means stamps! Our passports, which do not expire until 2025, are becoming rather full of them. One when you go in to Schengen, and another when you come home again.

And this winter isn't over yet, by any manner of means. Remember the Beast from the East? That was late February/early March....

[naraht]

It won't mean stamps for long. ETIAS is coming in the autumn.

[antisoppist]

I found my grandmother's old passport and I was disappointed it had no stamps in it but then I realised it was issued in October 1936 and vaild until 1941.

[nineveh_uk]

I had quite a few (relatively speaking) in my previous passport because during it I went to visit my sisters doing various things abroad, and also because I once asked a more friendly than usual Norwegian border official to stamp it. But the last decade seems to have been more Europe-based.

[nineveh_uk]

All I ask is a 24 hours of convenient snow dropped by a cold front. It isn't much! The weekend after next would suit me well.

I'm determined to get abroad this summer, so there is hope for the stamps.

[nineveh_uk]

Oh joy, I'd forgotten that. Although the website tells me that it is valid for three years rather than needing to be applied for every trip, so it could be worse.

[caulkhead]

South Tyrol has done a LOT to increase non-skiing activity and transport since I was last there, including very gentle options - even if you don't think you feel up to much skiing, it might be worth it for the sun and the snow!

[nineveh_uk]

Hmm, that was bad timing passport-wise...

[nineveh_uk]

That's worth knowing. Part of the problem this year is that I still can't handle cold, so nice gentle winter walking is also off the menu, but hopefully that won't be around forever either.

[mrs_redboots]

I think you need to be careful what you wish for....