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Hi, Rusty!
Yes, I have used Accuweather in the past - I think we first used that, when our elder daughter lived in the States.
But I have preferred the BBC forecast for many years, as we could key in our immediate local area and get a specific accurate forecast for that.
As you say...why mend what isn't broken?

But back to helping the homeless......
When we were younger, a group us would collect clothes and bedding - and take food and warm drinks - and go out from our church distributing such among those living on the streets.
It was sad and heartbreaking - albeit often very interesting- hearing how their lives had ended up like that........

We are glad to be kept informed of Crisis' work, Pigale, even though we no longer do anything more active than contribute in a monetary sense.
( My younger daughter , too, before she had young children used to work with the homeless over Christmas.)

Hello, Elle!
I read somewhere today that BBC have changed their weather forecast supplier, and also changed their website, and that the new site did not impress most folk.
It was much better left as it was.
I am getting reminders every time I log into my Google calendar that it is going to be upgraded and "click here" to change to it.
It is not as good as the present one, the "classic" calendar, they call it.
it is awful to hear of a homeless person being found dead after a very cold night.
That should not happen to anyone.
What the solution is, I do not know.

But the problem seems to be increasing though;
I am sure we did not see so many poor people in the streets
when I was a youngster - Of course there was the odd beggar and
a tramp familiar to any block of streets, and people were looking
after him - and this is another thing, I say him because, in Paris
at least, there did not seem to be as many women as nowadays.

Perhaps I did not see all of it because there are some district where
I never went, but there were no appeals, it did not make front
page cover as much as it does today.

So, Is it because the media did not advertised and brought it
to our attention, or is it because this situation is more current day stuff?

Hello, Pigale!
I do not remember seeing homeless folk very often when I was a young man, but I do notice them now.
And each one has a different story to tell, if they choose to do so.
Mostly men, too.
No family, no home, no job, just an empty day ahead of them, getting moved on all the time.
A lot of folk look down on them, not thinking that if circumstances were different, it could be they, themselves, who could land in this position.
I find it very sad.

A Very good morning to you, Rusty!
Another pleasant, but very cold, day, here!
I have a few jobs to do this morning........and then about midday, when the temperature has hopefully risen a little, I shall take the dog out for a brisk walk.
I also need to sort out some correspondence, but that can wait a while........
How is your weather today?
Have you had any more snow?
Did you go on foot for your paper?

Good afternoon, Elle!
We have hard frost but no more snow, thankfully!
I drove to shop today as I had a fair bit to buy.
I have done the crossword.
It was quite a battle with today's setter.
I found it tough.
I had a couple of quibbles with clues, but overall the setter created a smashing puzzle!
Just heard that Trotty and Jason Kenny are riding at the World's in Apeldoorn later this month.
Looking forward to seeing them again!

And a very good afternoon to you Elle and Rusty!

A couple of inches of snow on the ground first thing (well, almost
first thing....) and now it has started to snow again.
The garden looks beautiful, but I think the roads are clear.
Of course, because I live in the country, the scenery is rather
like fairyland, it is not as dirty as it is in towns.

Temps at present -1C to 0C, but due to be minus 4C to 6C in
second half of night; If there still is snow on ground, it may
become treacherous then.

Roads OK at present so shall be going with friend to get 'food' for
the heaters. the worst part will to walk up from house to street
gate !

Is there still snow on your pavements Rusty? I think London
might have some 'wintry showers' at some point Elle?

Any plans for the day?

Hi, Rusty!
We are home again now........
We had a most enjoyable walk this afternoon.......well, from about midday. until now........
The sky was blue, the sun shone...and there was even a little warmth served up!
We actually sat on a park bench for about ten minutes, soaking up the sun's rays!
A few hardy dog walkers were also out enjoying the afternoon, so the dog had some canine company!
She has a great life!!
I am about to make a start on the crossword....
I hope it is not too hard for me......I am a tad out of practice of late!
Laura and Jason had a child, did they not?
I am not misremembering?
How old would he - or was it a she? - be now?



Hello, Pigale!
A lovely day here!
Even a bit of warmth to be felt in the sun!
No threatened snow showers as yet!

Hello, Pigale!
Your weather is colder than mine!
But, our gritters are out again.
Still some snow lying here, and the hills are covered in snow.
But, it has been a "good" Winter, so far!

Hello, Elle!
"We are home again now" ??
Does that mean you and your husband are over the pesky bug?
Out walking?
It is a lovely day here, but cold!
I thought it a tough crossword, but Wednesday is always the toughest Times puzzle.
12a, and 18a are new to me.
I guessed 12 as I do not know any Italian dramatists and can not quite tie in "The Archers" with the answer?
Little Albie was born to Trotty and Jason last August, so 6 months?
Not sure if Albie will be going to Apeldoorn with them, though.