You make a lot of good points Jim, but I have to take you to task on
this one:

On 2010-12-20, Jim Kewley wrote:
It's only townies who get excited about snow and
ice, that's guaranteed, people who live off the land couldn't give a
monkeys if the snow was measured at 15cm or 15.5cm deep, or if the
temperature hits a record low, they just want a thaw.

I'm country born and bred. Wouldn't move to a town if I could possibly
avoid it. Nearest neighbours 300 yards away. Currently "snowed in" by
most people's reckoning, but if I need to go out, I simply put the snow
chains on the car, and with winter tyres I should be fine (except if I
encounter too many ill-equipped idiots on the road - which is the main
reason I don't go out unless I have to). Yes, I find that fun!

Adrian, currently under about 7" snow, temperature (at 11:38 am) -4.6°C.
Wind has picked up today making it feel very cold outside.
12 miles ESE Aberystwyth, 260m/860ft asl.
Webcams and live weather at http://users.aber.ac.uk/ais/weather/