For a moment or two the flashpoints of concern were Scotland, Northern Ireland, and other places in the UK so it seemed incredibly unlikely that the South would suffer a lot but we found ourselves deep in snow and ice and the winters of past history have been channeled back and it seems this is a record breaking winter with sports fixtures cancelled or postponed. So I read with concern that the awaited thaw will not appear until Boxing Day which is the day after Christmas Day but in case that's a general blog for other places and parts of the UK let me add that here in Southampton the thaw is in place and the streets and places in the city are back to normal. Well, almost back to normal as my neighbour kindly offered me a lift into town as the buses have been suspended on sideroads so I got into town without too much bother. The scene was clear with no ice, or snow at all Tuesday 21st December 2010 but out here near the countryside in Bassett the ice and snow have melted to create a slippery mess on the pavements and walkways around the housing complexes in Southampton and at the University of Southampton . So wishing everyone a safe and healthy and Happy Christmas .. with no chains attached!