Love is all around us!

Ahhh what is that I hear? The soothing words of a couple declaring their undying love for one another! Yes that's right, it's that time of year singletons dread and couples love...Valentine's Day.

Over the years I have become cynical towards Valentines Day, I see it as a waste of money and for people who feel it is the most appropriate time of the year to confess to their crush how much they love them. Before I wrote this blog entry I asked my partner what he thought about Valentines Day and in his own words he said: "well, why just show your love for someone on one day when you can and should everyday?"

Well I'm glad he said that, atleast I will save myself some money not getting him anything! No doubt he will take me out for a pizza but it does question "if we are a product of consumerism with the average man spending £82 on a loved one?" I guess it could be argued, that if people didn't bother then it would just be another ordinary day. Moreover, with all the current problems in society we deserve a day where people express their love for one another.

A nation snowed under!

Who would have thought the weather man would actually get the weather forecast right? When they said they expected 'a band of wintry weather to come across from Russia', I didn't think they meant over a weeks worth. I love the snow...who doesn't? But when it causes serious driving and living problems its far from a laughing matter.

It all started on Monday, with London halting to a standstill and all forms of public transport cancelled and shops closed for the day. As the weather moved towards the North, it seemed there was no way of stopping it from causing treacherous driving conditions for commuters and gritter lorries frantically trying to keep the main roads clear.

It's been said that grit is at its all time low, with gritters rationing supplies and treating the main roads. This arguably isn't good enough, I live up a minor road like many others and find that it's down to you and neighbours to clear the road otherwise you will be stuck. You would have thought that paying a £1000 a year in council tax, that you would be able to receive adequate supplies of grit just so you can get off the drive. All the Local Authorities has to say is "it's all under control", well clearly not when many people are left stranded and walking for miles to get back home or to the local shop.

I for one have been sensible and stayed in for the week, working from home while others slide from road to road to get to their destination. As for school closures I think it's sensible because many teachers who live an hour away from the school have no other way to get to work other than to drive. Besides, the children are happy because they can spend the day with friends sledging down hills.

Which leads me to say, how tragic it was that gifted 16-year-old Francesca Anobile died on a makeshift sledge in Sheffield. The tragedy illustrated the harsh reality of how the snow may appear picturesque but can cause fatality. Across the country, there were scenes of young children and families similarly playing in the snow and some even snowboarding. Who would have thought that one incident would lead to the death of a beautiful and gifted young woman?

In the 18 years of my life, I have never seen soo much snow fall and stick so quickly, and with forecasters predicting more snow to come due to high pressure coming from the West we are set to endure another treacherous week in the snow. One thing is for sure this is a week that certainly will not be forgotten in a hurry.