Well, we woke up to find a light dusting of snow this morning, which was at least 12 hours before it was forecast.
We then went for breakfast and were interested to see that the snow came back, Some of it was small and speedy, some big and more leisurely. Snow can be quite fascinating and it started me wondering what the study of snow is called.
The Latin for snow starts with a “niv” as I understand it from a superficial knowledge of snowdrops – Galanthus nivalis. My schoolboy Latin was never much to write home about and forty-odd years of disuse haven’t improved it. This is in contrast to my sporting achievements, which have definitely improved with hindsight – also known as “The older I get, the better I was” syndrome.
Nivology seems a bit dull so it was off to Professor Google for an infusion of knowledge. Snow, nix, nivis, as we Latinists say. Nixology definitely sounds wrong. To snow is, ninguo, ninguere (No, I don’t remember why we have all this multiple choice grammar.) Ningology would be OK – being Latin and sounding quite cheerful.
Unfortunately, despite all this linguistic promise, the study of snow is snow hydrology. Yes, snow hydrology. Disappointing, isn’t it. There’s a whole world of Ningology out there, and the scientists decided to call it snow hydrology.
The snow continued to fall intermittently and we even had a few minutes of ice pellets. So far “The Beast from the East” hasn’t been too bad, though this just the beginning, and it looks like Tuesday and Wednesday are going to be the worst days. There were snow ploughs out on the A1 as we went visiting, so it looks like we will at least be properly prepared.
So far this winter in the Midlands has been marked by scaremongering headlines, rather than by actual bad weather. I’m hoping the trend may continue in the next few days.
I like word Ningology!
Thank you. Me too. 🙂
May the trend continue
We escaped very lightly today but are waiting to see what tomorrow brings. 🙂
We had a bit – gone now
Good luck with continuing to avoid it. 🙂
Enjoyed that. Ningology sounds perfect, and much more betterer, to me… I’m expecting the usual anti-climax on the dire-warning front – weather-folk cry wolf too often and, really, most of the UK doesn’t get it that bad; it’s embarrassing when you look at places that get real winters!
True. Nottingham got off very lightly today, though Lincolnshire did not do so well.
OK, I take it back – I chickened out of driving today.
After today’s adventure I’m officially staying at home clucking too. 🙂
As a Mainer who has seen lots of snow, sleet, and freezing rain, I sure hope the weather isn’t too severe. But do be safe. If the weather is terrible, stay off the road unless there is an emergency. Stock up on basic supplies. If the storm isn’t bad, then you will have some extra food. If the storm is bad, you will have plenty to eat. Anyway, I will be thinking of you and the rest of my British blogging friends.
Don’t worry about us Laurie – our “storm” is probably just average weather in Maine. 🙂
I do worry about all of you! For people who aren’t used to such weather, it can be very serious. Anyway, figures and toes crossed that you don’t get hit too hard.
Today was mainly a fall of lovely fluffy snow that melted within 20 minutes. Some footpaths in shady areas are still covered in snow but mostly they are snow fee. Other parts of the country suffered more, and we are waiting to see what happens tomorrow. 🙂
Keep us posted!
Had a bit of a scary misadventure today – but all ended well. 🙂
Thank, goodness. Slippery roads can be very dangerous, and black ice, which we sometimes have, is the worst. I know someone who was killed as a result of skidding out of control on black ice and then crashing into a tree. Anyway, so very glad all ended well for you and Julia.
It could have been a lot worse. 🙂