chriswoodartist

08.30 26.12.25 I have just finished breakfast and although I am relatively warm my feet are telling me that the temperature is less than ideal. In fact indoors, in the warmest room in the house, it’s a balmy 13.3degrees C. Outside the temperature is 2degrees C and the sun is doing its best. The barometer has gone up again and is reading 1024 mbar, which accounts for my chilly toes, that and the fact that I am not wearing socks !
It’s interesting, looking at the relative temperatures across the UK and on my weather app I have programmed four locations, Portsmouth, (where I am writing this blog), Ipswich, (where I was last week), London, (where I went to art college) and Edinburgh (where I have never been but I might visit one day).

Edinburgh is languishing in 4 degrees C today, whilst down in the South I am sitting here with cold toes (did I mention my toes before?) and it’s 2 degrees C, whilst in London it’s even colder at only 1 degree C. Fascinating as that fact is, I am going to dig out a pair of my favourite boot length thermal socks and by that time, hopefully, the back of the house, which faces East, will be marginally warmer !

Having achieved socks, fleece trousers and dressing gown I am in a slightly better mood, although a second mug of tea will quite possibly aid my demeanour.

Today is an auspicious day for the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, who will be delivering her long awaited budget at midday. Over the last few weeks we have been treated to many leaks, and changes in direction. Some commentators have said this is weakness and the markets have responded less than favourably but I think it’s a sign of intelligence, responding to opinions and situations as they occur rather than setting policies in stone and regretting it later. It’s interesting to note that we never used to have so many leaks and the budget was a complete mystery until it was delivered. I fear that the world is a very different place and circumstances have lead to politics being very different. Tough decisions are needed and I hope our government will do something about our massive National Debt. In addition, I have a list of concerns as long as my arm, sadly the political climate is one that I know very little about. Over the years, I have learnt to observe and predict weather patterns but predicting the outcome of the budget is way beyond me !

I am signing out now as that second cup of tea is beckoning !

Cheerio 4 now and fingers firmly crossed !