‘Tis the season to be sweaty

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In the northern hemisphere, the Xmas cards that have been whizzing around this time of year invariably show scenes of snow and icy merriment.

Well, in reality, this year has been astonishingly warm in London. Normally, I would be wrapped in my ski jacket or in several layers of winter woolies. This year all I need is a light jacket over a thin blouse. And even so, when I pick up speed as I charge around town, I start to get hot and sweaty and have to start stripping off.

The other morning, as I was having breakfast, I noticed a red rose blooming in my garden. What?! In the middle of December?

This might have been an amazing omen if I lived in another era. But these days, with global warming in the news every day, I find my marvel and joy somewhat dulled by doom and gloom…