We have sunshine! Grab it while it lasts

The North East of England isn't noted for its fine weather. The weather isn't as bad as people make out, but there certainly isn't enough sunshine on average. Like much of the country, the North East is bathed in sunshine today. The fact that we have a lot of sun, almost nothing in the way of clouds and no cold breeze off the North Sea makes a pleasant change. The world is a much better place when it is like this. But the forecast is for thunderstorms tomorrow and then drizzle over the rest of the weekend - typical for a Bank Holiday weekend.

The North East is placed where the cold of the Arctic Air hits us first and hits us hard. We are the last place in England to get the end of Winter and the last to see the start of Summer. We are at the end of the queue when it comes to phenomena like the one we are currently having - warm air being dragged up from the Mediterranean. So it is little wonder that people in this part of the world have hardened to the cold and bask in the slightest amount of sunshine.

All it takes is some sun, not any heat in particular, to get people in their shorts, walking around instead of driving and getting the barbecue on. And I like that. People that embrace all that they are given are always alright in my book. The fact that British like a moan about anything and everything hasn't escaped this part o the country, but the moans are one thing, while the activity is another. You see people interact with the great outdoors here in a way that I haven't experienced in others parts of the country when I have lived or travelled there. They get out to walk the dog, get on a bike or go for a run in the rain, the sleet, the wind and the snow. I suppose if you have no choice bit to deal with the elements then you find a way to get on with it.

I have just been writing a book for someone that practices cold exposure as part of his life. This means a cold shower in the morning, a regular dip into an icy lake and a general connection to the cold. He grew up in the Ukraine and it was rare that they had hot water, so the cold exposure that he uses now in adult life I suppose comes naturally to him. I can see parallels to this life and the people of the North East.

We know that the cold is just around the corner. The warmth that we are feeling today won't last forever so the people around here drain as much as they can from it. The beer gardens will be filled until closing time and the air will be thick with the smell of half-cooked burgers and chicken that is dangerous to eat. Mixed with a few beers, there will be a lot of upset bellies in the morning, but it will all be worthwhile!