Okay, so it's not quite mid-May and winter doesn't officially start until June, but it did seem rather wintry this morning. We've had one or two wet and miserable southerlies lately, but this morning's effort was of the frosty variety - preferable in many respects in that whilst it may start off rather chilly, it's usually followed by a sunny (although not necessarily warm) day.

And so it proved to be. Wasn't a bad day at all after a somewhat brisk start, what with frost-covered lawns and rooves, and smoke/fog/smog lying low in the valley.

In my opinion that's what makes a decent winter - a good frost followed by sun and blue sky, much more inspiring than the grey, wet and blustery alternative.

- Malcolm Sparrow

	Looking over the valley in which Tawa sits - smoke and fog = smog, the first time around this winter, Tuesday 13th May 2008. [Click on pics to enlarge].
	Willowbank Park with a light coating of frost, the last of the autumn trees, and commuters waiting for the train at Takapu Road Station.
	Looking out my window at the frost on the rooves of neighbouring houses.