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Anyone else already hating the wet, dark cold nights

(186 Posts)
Optomistic1 Fri 03-Nov-23 19:39:37

The clocks have only just gone back and I already hate the dark cold and often wet nights. Please tell me I am not alone. The winter seems so long and I need some inspiration about how to get through the next 4/5 months. You’d think I should be used to it by now but I am not!

NanKate Mon 06-Nov-23 16:02:33

Why do we have to turn back the clocks? I hate it too. How the people of Iceland and other northern countries cope with dark days I don’t know.

I’m with you ‘Optomistic1*. Counting the days till Spring.
I think I will hibernate till then.

Doodledog Mon 06-Nov-23 16:32:29

Dottynan

Doodledog~: Try holding your hand out with some mealworms in it. My daughter did this and after a couple of weeks her little robin was landing on her hand and happily feeding. It needs lots of patience.

Thanks for the idea. I'm not sure I want to stand outside in the cold holding worms, but it's a kind thought grin.

He's a cute little thing - I wish I knew what he was doing when he stands there looking in the widow.

NfkDumpling Mon 06-Nov-23 18:54:22

Hate it. Hate the dark. Most of all I hate the clocks changing.

M0nica Mon 06-Nov-23 23:13:08

Another snow lover, we have even gone on holiday to Norway and Switzerland (not skiing) just to see and experience the beauty and coldness of the snow.

Mollygo Mon 06-Nov-23 23:26:22

M0nica

Another snow lover, we have even gone on holiday to Norway and Switzerland (not skiing) just to see and experience the beauty and coldness of the snow.

I don’t mind the snow when I’m not struggling to get to work, shop, walk the dog, dry clothes or save on the heating.
Snow in Switzerland and France was amazing, and a pleasure to see.

Witzend Tue 07-Nov-23 08:57:02

Is he asking for breakfast, Doodledog?

We had a robin who used to perch on the back of a garden chair which was very close to the French windows and look straight at me. It was very clear that he was saying Food please!

Doodledog Tue 07-Nov-23 09:15:13

I'm not sure. He doesn't seem to hunt for food, although having said that, he's just darted into his gap from a different direction, so maybe he has separate entry and exit points.

It's a long hedge, and there are lots of birds in it - it's like an apartment block grin. There must be some protocols between them, but I can't work out what. They don't fight, and I don't suppose there will be babies at this time of year. A blackbird and some sort of finch/tit uses the same gap as a front door though. I'm not too sure what goes on further down, as the bit in the photo is what I can see from 'my' seat without moving, and if I move too much they all hide.

Norah Tue 07-Nov-23 11:13:17

Jaxjacky

Norah

I love snow, everything about snow makes me happy.

We're all different.

I d too Norah and get ridiculously excited if we get any, it’s rarer here in the south.

Iceland!

So many snowS in one small country. Fascinating.

The number of different experiences is outstanding.

And tectonic plates...

Washerwoman Tue 07-Nov-23 12:34:35

I had a hospital appointment at rush hour yesterday and find I really hate driving in the dark and torrential rain now.And I'd say I've always been a confident driver .I was so happy to come home to a warm ,cosy house. Unless I have to go anywhere when it's bad I actually love hunkering down.And we've a big garden,which I love and still do a lot in.But winter and shorter days gives me an excuse to do less and more reading,jigsaws etc.Plus I prefer sticking extra layers on to warm up than trying to cool down when it's too hot.I guess I really am a winter person.However today's golden sunshine is very welcome!

Optomistic1 Tue 07-Nov-23 12:48:43

Gosh RosiesMaw I am sorry that my comments clearly caused you such offence! I appreciate you don’t know me but I am a positive person but also like everyone else on here entitled to my own opinion! Have a lovely day

Soniah Tue 07-Nov-23 12:51:21

I know we've had a lot of rain but also a few lovely sun rises and Northern lights, I've still got the summer duvet on but I don't particularly feel the cold, no central heating on except in the bathroom for a bit in the morning but do like pulling the curtains and having the very efficient log burner lit for a couple of hours in the evening. The dark doesn't stop me from walking to events in the Town Hall either but then I like the seasons, you're just getting fed up with one and another comes along🙂

Sennelier1 Tue 07-Nov-23 13:02:12

Oh I feel your pain! Nowadays I have to encourage myself to come out of bed! But through the years I have acquired a list of activities that help (me) fight the winterblues 😊 I know I need to be outside to air my head and heart, preferably during daytime and even better with an open sky. Also : some decoration of the house, lots of candles, nice smells, getting that cosy throw out of hiding. No way I put up christmas deco already, will have time for that at the right moment. I love to read and choose wisely what I'll read. Nothing gloomy that is! And then rearranging my clothes always helps! I check all my summer-and springclothes, mend and alter where needed, wash and iron them carefully and then fold them carefully ready for....in a few months! Seeing friends helps too, now that they ánd we don't have pressing family obligations yet. And then spend as much time with our grandchildren is simply the best remedy!

missdeke Tue 07-Nov-23 13:04:24

I can cope with any amount of cold weather providing the sun is shining, I just hate the greyness.

Bluesmum Tue 07-Nov-23 13:07:23

I hate grey days, cold and wet whatever time of year here in England. My son is desperately upping his campaign to persuade me to go and live with them in Australia (in my own granny annexe) and the older I get, the more I am tempted!luckily, I am going for three months early February and so looking forward to it!

Hevs Tue 07-Nov-23 13:09:55

What an extraordinary comment. I have spent several winters in Sweden, parts of them in the Arctic circle, and I doubt many there would agree with you. It isn't moaning to admit you feel depressed in winter - many people find darkness and lack of sunshine a problem.

However in the Arctic there is often snow so things are surprisingly light. Plus you get clear night skies quite often, lots of starts and sometimes the northern lights. Impossible in many parts of the UK.

When I lived in Sweden below the Arctic circle, I learnt to go to the shops/into town/somewhere between 1 - 2 rather than leaving home when it was already dark.
Or I would walk between 1 - 2 as the light began to fade and the sun, if it was there, begin to fade. I loved the skies at that time and the sounds.
I have continued to go for my evening walk here during the hour that dusk sets in. It makes a huge difference. Good luck Optimistic1

Cossy Tue 07-Nov-23 13:13:55

Yes !

Penelopebee Tue 07-Nov-23 13:14:20

It's the damp and wet I hate.
Steamy windows too. It just all depressed me even more

DeeDe Tue 07-Nov-23 13:16:03

Noo we’re loving it, cosy wood fires, and for roasting chestnuts, lighting extra candles and fairy lights in the garden, ready to love spring when it’s here though 😄

Milest0ne Tue 07-Nov-23 13:32:25

Only 7 weeks to go till winter solstice then it will start getting lighter. Always the optimist.
On the minus side it is always. without exception , cloudy -here when there are meteors to be seen.

RosesandLilac Tue 07-Nov-23 13:38:36

Now I’m retired the weather and the dark evenings don’t bother me at all, in fact I love being indoors, in the warm, doing my crocheting or reading.
It was very different when I was working; doing district nursing, driving all over the place and getting in and out of the car in pouring rain, sitting in wet shoes and clothes is not fun. Neither is trying to see house numbers and names with no street lights and only a torch!
I’ve learned to live with the weather, climate and nature.

Grandma70s Tue 07-Nov-23 13:46:07

Norah

Witzend

Norah

Still leaves falling...

TBH they’ve hardly started here. We have a big beech tree in the garden, still in full leaf, though some have changed colour.

Some are falling, definitely Autumn. Looks untidy. Clean windows help.

“Looks untidy”? Good heavens.That’s nature! I love fallen leaves, either scuffling through them or picking up the most beautifully coloured ones.

Supergran1946 Tue 07-Nov-23 13:46:15

I am definitely an outdoor “girl” and find wet , dark weather difficult. However if it is freezing cold but with lovely blue skies I love it. Did a long walk yesterday in bright sunshine which really banished winter blues

Lyn57 Tue 07-Nov-23 13:46:43

I don’t know if this helps but I started a list of thing to do each week since Autumn and Spring equinox. In a notebook each week I list things to keep me occupied, use a face pack, read a book, sort out one ( or half) a kitchen cupboard or drawer, get outside in the garden for 30 minutes once a week, Each week do 3 exercise dvds (YouTube have loads ) , spend 30 minutes 3 times a week doing a puzzle. Play dominoes with husband. Once a week walk 6km. It’s quite satisfying having something to aim for you can adapt it to suit your circumstances, I find that I often now spend longer doing things but to get over the initial inertia especially when it’s so dark and grey out you could just plan 10 or 15 minute activities. There are now 20 weeks until Soring equinox by the time Soring comes I will have nice tidy cupboards , be a bit fitter and have read quite a few books. Our library has puzzles you can borrow as well as books. I hope this helps I find the dark nights very hard too but this has helped me hopefully you might be able to adapt some ideas to help yourself feel better.

TanaMa Tue 07-Nov-23 13:47:16

Don't really like the dark evenings, especially when I have to go out for 8 p.m. dog training class. Living in a fairly isolated area there are no street lights and mostly woods either side of the road. I do have solar lights at my gate and along the 200 metre drive to the house, which makes homecoming comfortable. The lovely thing is that winter makes it easier to hear and see some of the wildlife around me - foxes 'chatting', badgers snuffling whilst they dig up the grass, the owls hooting in the trees above the house and even a few bunny rabbits. I feel they are all there to welcome me home!!! Last night the sky was a beautiful sight with so many stars, visible as there is no artificial light. I think there was a special line up of stars, but forget what it was called.

Lyn57 Tue 07-Nov-23 13:48:23

Since ? Meant between Autumn & Spring and Soring not Soring !