With falling snowflakes appearing on various blogs I read I thought I would write a post about the cold white stuff. While back in England you may be hoping for a couple of days of snow, we have been living with white streets for a week or two now.

One of the pleasures of Swedish snow is that it keeps its original colour. With the exception of small patches where dogs have chosen to insert a splash of colour we will have sparkling white snow all winter long. None of your slushy brown roadside mess for us, for the time being anyway. The swedes have a delightful saying which translates as "When the snow melts, the shit shows"

Believe it or not it is actually possible for a country to operate even if there is more than 2mm of snow on the ground. To be fair Sweden can expect a winter each year to justify the purchase of meaty pieces of plant. And boy have they grasped that chance. After a snowy night you can expect to see snow ploughs, snow blowers, gritters, jcb’s shovelling snow onto the back of trucks… You half expect to see Bob the Builder appear with people singing Can he shift it, yes he can. You can bet no Swedish kid grows up wishing to be a train driver. After all theres no business like snow business.

While they don’t go as far as bobsleighs, some of the sledges over here can get quite advanced. Sure we have our share of sit-you-butt-down-stick out-your-legs-and-hope-for-the-best types, but many also have steering wheels, brakes and the height of luxury, a seat warmer. Rumours of a sledge complete with drinks holder are still under investigation.

Snowmen and igloos are popping up all over the place. One of the nicer constructions that I have seen are made from 7 or so snow balls placed in a loose football style formation. A candle is then placed inside and left to flicker away during the night.

As you can tell I am still in my snow loving mood. Remember to come back in march to read my Argggghhh I hate all this snow why the *”!# wont it melt and leave me alone post. But for now that’s all folks….