Winter

The days are so short now, a trueism I know, but the weather has been cold, clear and sunny which is my favourite winter weather.

There's a quality to the light that seems different to other times of year, golden afternoons with the buildings bask in the glow. From Waterloo bridge, the London skyline reflects the light, the glass of the city glittering, a modern counterpoint to the traditional shine of St Paul's dome . The Houses of Parliament look at their best, the honey stone and golden light combining to suffuse the buildings in warmth, their gold leaf highlights brilliant in the fading day.

And the mornings? It's dark for so long but eventually the light filters in the trees standing stark against the blue sky, in places mist hanging a few feet over the earth like an ethereal blanket. It's beautiful to see through the train window but deceiving because if you step outside into the lovely picture, you find it's hostile. The mist works its way into your bones enfolding you in a clammy chill. Beautiful but dangerous and elemental, unaware of us or any living thing. The sun's rays finally burn it away.

The leaves are all gone now, autumn is a memory, Spring a future hope, the midwinter solstice is upon us and Christmas is a beacon to cheer us in the short days.