I woke this morning to a dark room. The first of the autumn. It heralds the change in seasons when the working day begins before daylight dawns. With it came rain, heavy, gutter overflowing downpour. What a wonderful September we’ve just had and don’t I just know it now, staring out into the gloom. The kids went to school in dresses and socks, no coats and came home in the blazing sunshine. Today – rain coats and I expect they’ll demand tights soon.

I’m not a lover of Winter. The grim dark mornings, Taking the kids to clubs in the evenings and with no daylight to stimulate them, I have to poke and prod them into activity. Myself, if I ignore the dimness and concentrate on other things, I can see the positives. Curled up in front of the fire with a hot chocolate and amarula, I can write. The snugness of being indoors and out of the wind and rain – what’s there not to like?  I’m more productive in the winter months with their short days. Exercise is a problem. I’m not one for facing the elements and taking a brisk walk. I should, I know, because when I take in the fresh cold air, my mind invigorates and words burst through the blockage. I dash back, huddle before my computer and hammer the keys once again.

I’m determined to avoid a winter of discontent.