Atmospheric Conditions

I haven't seen a cloud all day which in England, particularly Manchester, is only likely to occur if you don't actually look outside (or do so only with your eyes firmly closed). Today we are experiencing the kind of temperatures that our Continental cousins would agree constitutes a proper summer, rather than the usual miserable affair we typically go through here in Blighty. This morning, I put sun block on the kids, not because my wife told me to do so (which she did), but because I thought they actually need it. I can almost see the ultraviolet rays pouring from the fiery ball in the sky.

Unfortunately in Britain we can never be happy with the weather for very long and I have overheard conversations which demonstrate two approaches by which it is possible to reconcile both the fabulousness (is that word?) of the current weather with our desire for dissatisfaction*. The first of these revolves around it now being "too hot" or "uncomfortable at night" making it "difficult to sleep". The second is the more pessimistic "It won't last" often substantiated with "I hear it will rain by the weekend". Both of these approaches allow people to discuss the current, near perfect, summer weather conditions whilst retaining a sense of mild displeasure. Perhaps it is only in this way we British can truly enjoy the sun.

*many people are unaware that the English actually have a complaint gland that secretes a hormone specifically to induce dissatisfaction with the current situation.