Editorial: Where's summer gone?

Summer started off with much promise and there were signs it was going to be a long, hot season.

Unfortunately what started off with a hiss and a roar seems to have fizzled out with a bit of rain and plenty of clouds.

Every now and again, we are tempted by a beautiful hot day, but mostly it has been cloudy and rainy. And don't get me wrong, every ray of sunshine was much appreciated.

It just seems that of late whenever I have watched the weather report on television news, the rain clouds seem to be permanently parked on the east side of the North Island. I suppose we have just got used to the bad weather always being in the west.

Even the temperatures have been a little weird, with one day quite muggy and the next day a little chilly. It is almost as if the weather can't make its mind up.

While last summer was not good for the farmers and growers among us, the rest of us had a great time. It was consistently hot and dry. This year not so much.

A common refrain I have been hearing of late is: "Well, hopefully February's weather will be better."

Well, we are entering the second week of February and so far, not so good.

What is it about the weather that can have people talking at length about it? We are all fascinated by it because it has a bearing on our activities for the day.

It can also define our moods. I know a few people whose moods darken when the weather is not good. They need the brilliant sunshine to lift their spirits. They need the warm sun on their backs to keep them going.

In winter, they tend to withdraw and exist, instead of living and enjoying life.

Then again, I suppose most of us are like that. There is nothing better than a beautiful Hawke's Bay summer's day to fill us with purpose.

People who have resided in the Bay for many years often talk about the golden summers of past. I have only last year to go by and that was good enough for me.

We have had a few good days in between the overcast and rain this year, but we would like more.

Hopefully the latter part of February gives us something to smile about.