Tuesday 4th January 2011

Monday 3rd January 2011

The Ashes

I can't wait. Four weeks today and the first test at the mighty 'Gabba
will have started.

Friday 29th October (tomorrow) sees the England squad depart for these shores.

The Strines are having some fun ahead of their departure by projecting
this image onto Big Ben (not Hilfenhaus - the clock tower adjacent to
the UK HoP).

The 4 Seasons

Something I have adjusted my views on are the Seasons.

I came to the conclusion yesterday, that there is someone in Brisbane whose job it is to flick the seasonal switch. Friday 3rd September was the 3rd day of Spring and saw Brisbane record a temperature around 27 degrees. Somebody had clearly set the Winter switch to the 'off' position.

For me, being by birth a Northern Hemisphere lad, I am used to the seasons being a fairly fluid concept. At some point in September you notice it has become cooler; the leaves are turning; they fall to the ground. Summer has become Autumn.

In Brisbane the seasons are called thus: Spring = September-November; Summer = December-February; Autumn = March-May; and Winter = June-August.

And by and large it works. You don't necessarily get that transient, fluid seasonal shift I referred to above.

I can only imagine it's a factor of latitude.

I'm not complaining. It works, and I now think I'm used to it.

How do we perceive 70 degrees (F)?

Cold. Short and sweet.

Three years ago that would have me bearing my pasty flesh to all and sundry.

Heading for the nearest public house to slake a thirst.

Now? Jumper, long legged trousers, warming drinks.

It's funny how one's perception changes.