Rain Stops Play

Hello, dear readers,


Winter is coming.

In fact, there’s an argument that winter is already here, and has been for some time.

The temperatures over the last couple of weeks have certainly taken a nosedive, and do we really need to talk about the dreaded rain? Well, unfortunately I think we do, and as this is my blog, that’s exactly what we’re going to do.

Rinse & Repeat
I will recognise, before we start, that there is a degree of repetition ingrained in this post. In fact you could almost say that this is somewhat of a yearly tradition. A good old moan about the weather in this windy isle of ours. A whinge about the growing darkness. A venting of frustration over the way Xmas tat is already all over the shops despite the fact that Bonfire Night still hasn’t happened as yet (Yes, I’m in the ‘one holiday at a time’ camp. I’m also in the camp of 'Xmas is celebrated on one sodding day, not over three sodding months').

So, feel free to go back twelve months to compare and contrast. For the record, I haven’t, so any repetition of sentiment, thought, or phrase is entirely due to the fact my opinions on the matter have not strayed too far. Let’s be honest, it’s not like they’re gonna.

Because winter is, and always will be, my least favourite season. I don’t enjoy the cold, no matter what my always awesome wifey, Tina, tells you about my, um, management of heating expenditure. I don’t like the wet, either, and when it comes to the physical marriage of the two phenomena we know as snow, well, guess what? I’m not a fan.

Lap Stance
No doubt this sounds a little bah humbug to those who marvel at majestic autumnal colours, gush over the brisk weather, and practically salivate over the upcoming (in seven sodding weeks!) advent of sleigh bells and comedy specials.

But the weather, to me, is a little more than an inconvenience. It’s what’s stopped me from walking Bonnie our aging but still endearingly crazy Springador (half Springer Spaniel, half Labrador) several times over the last week.

It’s not just that she’s not a fan of rain herself (she isn’t). It’s the tendency the downpour has of soaking a seated person to the skin. I present far more of a surface area to drench you see, and not just because of any weight issues. No, the seated position presents a lap into which the rain may fall. Something which results in a pattern of dampness that is less than flattering!

There’s also the problem of grip.

Get A Grip
My wheelchair is equipped with metal wheel rims designed for the user to propel themselves without touching dirty tyres. It’s only ever a partial solution to unclean hands, but presents a whole new slew of problems when said metal gets cold and wet.

Imagine if you will that you are driving a car with faulty brakes/ That’s the kind of thing I’m dealing with. The slick rims lack purchase, especially when the cold weather necessitates gloves. When one is tied to a slightly insane dog who likes to drop her ‘business’ off at the side of the road, it becomes more than a problem. It becomes a danger.

And so, as the latest named storm raged, Bonnie and I stayed in. Luckily the old girl is getting on a bit, so blipping a walk isn’t the end of the world. It does, however, lead me to slight feelings of inadequacy. A feeling of being beaten by the elements. Of being caged inside four walls. It’s not nice.

Distraction Action
Still, there is enough within these four walls to keep me distracted, and the seasons will soon turn again. Until then, I guess I’ll just have to rely on books, writing, video games, and the tender mercies of YouTube to see me through. Think of it as hibernating, but with slightly more consciousness and a steady supply of caffeine and alcohol.

And, for now, that concludes this year’s seasonal rant.


Until next time!




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Hey, there! If you enjoyed reading any of the above, why not take a look at some of my published work? Below you’ll find links to a number of short stories I’m lucky enough to have included in anthologies. I’d love to know what you think.



New Tales Of Old



Death Ship



Pestilence: Drabbles 1



Reaperman: Drabbles 3



The Musketeers Vs Cthulhu



Eldritch Investigations