Hopefully (fingers, legs and toes all crossed) we are going to get blasted by the full force of the suns rays this week in little old London-town. The weathermen (and women) have forecast what is commonly known as an ‘Indian summer’. It’s that glorious (and fleeting) period in autumn when the days get shorter and the leaves pile higher on the ground, yet high temperatures come out of nowhere to remind us that winter is not here just yet. It’s that magnificent, quirky little occurrence where a few days of summer (the lazy days who were too busy snoozing back in July) come out to greet us with warmth, then rush off again just as quick. Basically, for Aussie expats living in the northern hemisphere, it’s Mother Nature being a very cruel mistress and teasing us with a taster of what is in store for family and friends back home.
The problem is, I’m not too sure whether to love an ‘Indian summer’ or not! Of course I love any opportunity when the sun decides to shine in England and I can do as the Poms do and find the nearest green space (doesn’t matter the size, a postage stamp area of grass will do), strip naked and marinate in the sunny goodness. But as good as that is (especially in September/October), it’s still a very real reminder that winter is just around the corner. You know, those long days of Arctic darkness, broken only by a window of grey around noon. Snow on your way to work. Rain on your weekends. The grim faces of Londoners condemned to yet another arduous slog through the desolate months. It’s just not fun, a winter in London! Sure, it means we can make snow angels at Christmas and jet off to some super skiing in Europe but that doesn’t warm the bones and thaw the frostbite!!
And so while an Indian summer is beautiful for keeping the ugg boots in the cupboard for a little bit longer and smiles on our faces for an extra day or two, why not actually come in summer, when you are meant to! (I’m very sorry, I fear winter’s claws have gotten hold of me already…..)