IF you’ve ever wondered why the Welsh are such a cheerful nation, try spending five minutes outside in October.
You’ll soon discover that laughter is the only thing keeping us from climbing into the tumble dryer and staying there until April.
Storm Austen has swept across Wales, bringing strong winds, heavy rain and enough atmospheric drama to make a weather forecaster look as though they’ve just received their electricity bill. Gusts reached a remarkable 74mph at Aberporth, proving that even the wind has developed a taste for showing off.
In Wales, however, we’re made of sterner stuff.
We don’t let a little bad weather spoil our day. We simply cancel everything, put the kettle on and watch the wheelie bins perform interpretive dance across the garden.
Umbrellas are largely decorative here. Open one in a gale and you’ll find yourself holding a metal skeleton while your neighbours wave goodbye as it heads towards England.
The Welsh weather forecast is equally straightforward: rain, followed by heavier rain, with occasional sunshine to confuse the tourists.
Locals can identify a shower by the sound it makes against the window and know precisely when to bring the washing in. Usually, this is approximately three seconds after putting it out.
And, just when we thought Austen had finished its performance, another storm arrived to remind us that nature does believe in encores. Apparently, the weather has more sequels than a Hollywood action film.
Still, there’s always a silver lining. At least the garden’s been watered, the car’s been washed, and nobody needs to visit the swimming pool.
In Wales, we don’t have bad weather. We have outdoor plumbing with attitude.