The storm arrives.

Storm Gerrit arrives. The weather is beyond awful. Grey skies, winds gusting north of seventy miles per hour and heavy, constant rain. Roads around have been blocked by falling trees or flooding but our drive into town proves to be uneventful. On our way we note that some corrugated metal panels have been torn off the side of a potato barn. There is also a foot of water on the road by the golf club where run off from the fields has pooled. In the bay three ships are sheltering from the storm. We wonder which is the more uncomfortable - being anchored and pounded by the waves or being underway and pounded by the sea ?

The town is , not surprisingly,  completely deserted. Even the intrepid Chinese tourists seem to have opted to stay in the comfort of their hotels. Whether by accident or design the illuminations on the fountain have been left on. This at least brings a touch of colour to an otherwise drab scene. Closer examination shows that the lights that span the road between Costa Coffee and the tourist office have had wind related 'issues'. 

This is the weather to try out the new Under Armor all weather golfing trousers. Angus can report they are  great success and much more comfortable than oilskin over trews. 'The Font ' is less sure and wonders whether the  idea of clothing that can ' go straight from the boardroom to the golf course' will be a big market.

By the time we've finished our morning walk the Chinese tourists have emerged for their hotels. They happily take photos, oblivious to the rain. Angus would like to know what the tourists eat for breakfast. Local hotels seem to be believers that a mix of sausage, egg and tattie scones is the only acceptable start to the day. Croissants might be found in the more upmarket establishments but are deemed too exotic for most tastes.  I'm guessing  Congee or steamed buns are unknown. 

Odd that France doesn't come in the top 10 :https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/what-is-the-best-country-in-the-world/

Change for the sake of change? : https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/minnesota-reveals-new-state-flag-design-180983510/