The Weather Outside is Frightful...Says You!

There's a definite division in public opinion where our latest (and, at the moment, current) snowfall is concerned.  I happen to live at the top of London's second most formidable peak (elevation: 397 feet), and feel confident there are few places in the city better suited to illustrating this schism.  Based on casual observation, I'd wager the majority of the locals are pro-snow, which is to say they're wholesome, normal people charged with a hint of a poetic streak.  However, it would appear they're also charged with a hint of a mean streak, at least judging by the amount of Schadenfreude dripping about the place.  On that score, the drivers of Chelsea Tractors would seem to top the list of favourite targets, and it's easy to see why.  After all, there are few sights more gratifying to the London pedestrian than watching a Range Rover -- or better yet, a Porsche Cayenne -- spinning its tires and steaming in frustration, its engine whirring away like an electric toothbrush.   In fact, I can hear a few now through my sitting room window.  What a heavenly sound.  Needless to say, it's the drivers of these vehicles -- and of vehicles in general -- who form the base of the anti-snow movement.  On my walk home I noticed a few drivers had resigned themselves to being stuck in traffic, and had actually gotten out of their cars to help themselves to the free hot chocolates a small shop was handing out to pedestrians.  They seemed pleased with the decision, and in a couple of cases even struck up friendly conversations next to their cars, absent-mindedly kicking snow off their tires while they talked, and stealing the occasional hopeful glance up the hill.  Just about everyone else, however, was fuming.  Horns were honked, steering wheels were smacked, personalities were asserted.  It was a good show, really, especially for someone from Canada who, even after all these years in London, still can't believe that a measly two inches of snow can produce such chaos.   'Get some snow tires you cupcakes!!' I'd like to shout, but sadly never do.  Perhaps I'll work that into my new year's resolution this time 'round...