First frost

I awoke this morning to a glorious chill in the air. That’s right, the onset of winter has announced itself in the first frost of the season this morning. White fields out south down the Shannon and ice crystals on the window panes, it’s as if the passing of Halloween was some sort of signal that the seasons should get going and do their thing.

The front door swung into the crisp air and I reconsidered my modest jumper and jacket combo – I grabbed a scarf from the coatrack and rode out into the morning traffic. Five minutes later I was prying my frozen hands from the metal handlebars; shoulda worn bloody gloves as well.

There’s no doubt, when jack frost dusts the world on a morning and one’s hands freeze to one’s handlebars, the winter season has arrived in force. Time to unpack all the long shirts and, ah, wear some gloves when biking to work.