So cold, so very very cold

We spent the New Year period in Manchester and were happily telling everyone that it was actually warmer in Finland than in Manchester. And it was true. When we left Helsinki it was +2 or something and -2 in Manchester. That has changed. When we left Manchester it was still -2, but in Helsinki it was -11. And that's very cold.

I'm sure that you've all noticed that your nose runs in cold weather. I'm guessing that it's from condensation on the nose hairs. Wherever it comes from, whatever runs will freeze. And so it was on my walk to school yesterday that I noticed that there were suddenly lumps forming in my nostrils as the condensation froze. It was quite unsettling, but strangely quite pleasant.

But that isn't something I will need to worry about for much longer. On my way home it was -8, which after -11 was starting to feel like t-shirt weather. Nonetheless, it felt like my face was about to fall off. If it gets much colder then it probably will fall off and it's hard for a nose to freeze when it's not attached anymore.

About halfway through my trip to Manchester, I was starting to feel homesick. I was quite surprised when I realised that Home for me now means Tampere, as that was where I wanted to be. So I guess that it means that I'm becoming quite settled here in Finland. When we did get home a couple of days later, I quite enjoyed looking out of the window and seeing the familiar view. Of course it's possible that I wanted to be in Finland because the houses are warmer than in England. But then I suppose that if it gets to be -20 in winter you need better insulation!

Anyway, I'm off to eat some cheese and Branston sandwiches followed by a slice of Marks & Spencer Christmas cake and a cup of tea. It's good to be back in Finland.