Weather watch
Weather watch
These days there are a myriad of ways to check the weather forecast – the Met office, Windy, Metcheck, BBC weather and even old wives’ tales. They all offer predictions and play their part in terms of suggestions for the weather for the next two weeks. This is important as John G, our Castle Manager, is worrying about Easter opening, parking, wet weather plans and everything else that could go wrong.
If the weather looks inclement, it is all my fault and my problem for pre-selling tickets and John asks me what on earth I thought I was doing. On the other hand, Luis checks in with me to make sure I have sold enough tickets otherwise he is not happy. He does not quite say it but looks at me as if I could clearly do better. Ever the salesman, he hopes to sell more food and of course cocktails at Luis’ Bar. This also goes better if there is good weather, particularly at the end of each day as the sun sinks over the lawns and the jazz music is playing.
Relaxed groups of visitors sit laughing at various tables with the remains of a much enjoyed cocktail, contemplating whether they should get another one before ordering a taxi to take them back to the train station.
I do feel very inadequate if I cannot come up with good weather for Luis.
Sally also likes good weather but not if it’s too hot or her gift shop may be too warm with too many customers. She also quite likes the rain as people take shelter with her and of course she has rain hats. However, if it is too sunny, she also has sun hats so it’s a win win. The plant pots outside sell better in sunny weather and ‘mid weather’ means visitors dawdle in her shop and can’t help buying just one more thing. Whether biscuits or jams, books, cute gifts, bags or dressing gowns…
The gardeners do not want it too dry – that is not good for the plants at this time of year but equally they don’t want it too wet or the lawns will grow incessantly and the mowing will have to step up a gear. On the other hand, weeding and gardening is much more fun in the sun, but when it is sunny the earth may be harder to dig…
Down of the farm, it is a bit of a challenge in all cases. Simon the farm manager and Geordie want a little rain and some sun but not too much. They would like some sun for the lambs but some rain to keep the grass for haylage growing. Needless to say, they would like some practical politicians who might think about the realities of farming.
The guides and the visitors hope for sunshine which keeps everyone happy. It is better for selfies on Lady Mary’s bench or to leap across the lawns or ask Luis to take some photos of them, the Castle behind and drink in hand.
Housekeeping prefer drier weather as there is less to hoover up, but if it is too hot they need to continually check the blinds are down to protect the interiors of the rooms.
The car parking team are out in the field and prefer clouds as they are usually neither too hot nor too cold.
Standing out in the parking field on front of the castle, checking how firm the ground is under my feet, I think sometimes that some of my favourite sources for anticipating challenges are some of the old traditional sayings. Such as, “If there is a halo round the sun or moon, then we can all expect rain quite soon” or “if in the sky you see cliffs and towers, it won’t be long before there is a shower.” However it is better to remain prudent “Ne’er cast a clout, til May is out.”
Whatever the weather, the labradors have a positive outlook. Warm sunny days are a little hot for their fur coats but they love to lie out and enjoy some vitamin D, at least for a little time. Alternatively, puddles are really rather perfect. Winnie the Pooh might well agree with both thoughts and I certainly enjoy their unceasing affection whatever the outcome.
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55 Comments
We are as fickle as the weather!
That was so delightful!
Why did this column make me think of Daisy Mason's line: "No farmer is his own boss. He takes his orders from the wind and the ran and the sun."
Thanks for reminding us of the practical problems of dealing with an estate like Highclere Castle.
Sometimes you just can’t win for losing. Find a good book and don’t get out of bed! Lol
Lovely Lady, you do an excellent job with all you set your hand to . God bless you.
I understand the issues at hand here in Upstate NY towards the Adirondack mountains. We have 3 horses remaining and the crocuses have not come up yet. Grass is popping but not today as its in the 30'sF. The sugar Maples are budding but some have dropped a bit from the last rain storm we had. The remenants of the storms that tore through the south. Daffidils are immersing with vigor. The usuall spring cleaning also includes repairs to horse fencing, barn areas from snow driven by winds that would rip the roof off the out buildings. Trees that were feld by nature need to be cut and stacked. Oh the endless chores in addition to my regular job of being a nurse to occupational medicine physician taking care of Pilots and Air traffic controller's. I love that job. I would love to some day venture across the pond and visit this lovely estate and the grounds. I log the commentary's by Lady Canarvin if I spelled that correctly. Thank you
When we visited was bad weather but everyone so cheerful and happy to us ,lovely pictures this week thank you ,
I have been the wife of a farmer for 51 years . weather discussions happen daily and there is never a satisfied farmer about the weather.
I have been in that gift shop and it is spectacular !!
Looking forward to visiting Highclete the week of April 21. I am 81 and my son is bringing me to London and Highclere. It has been on my bucket list for a long time. Can’t wait, rain or shine! We are Texas natives!
Lovely the pictures of weather watch and did you and lord Carnarvon have a wonderful weekend and lam fan of Downton Abbey and highcelere castle
I read the weather forecast yesterday, and it said that it was going to rain today. When I got up this morning, it was pouring, so I had to break the news to my dog that we couldn't go to the dog park to meet his friends. He was pouting and looking at me like saying it is your fault, we should've gone earlier before it started to rain, like around 5:00 am.
"Life Isn't About Waiting for The Storm to Pass, its About Learning How to Dance in The rain"
Of course, this quote won't help Luis, John or your guest unless they are wearing rain ponchos. :)
Please, Ma'am, could you tell me what the yellow flowers are in these lovely pictures? I would assume they are some species of daffodil; bur I have never seen any like them before!
Thank you so much for sharing your pictures, thoughts, and books with those of us who can only gaze from afar!
Sincerely, Nancy Lingerfelt
Newport Tennessee USA
This was an informational note for those of us thinking castle ownership would be magical—a reality check for those of us in the states wishfully dreaming. Good luck with the Easter weather!
“Lady Mary’s bench.” That’s what my wife and I called it when we took our selfies there in 2018 during my retirement trip. I suppose it will ever be called thus.
Wow, seems like you have a conundrum with the weather. Maybe it's a good things you can't control it & have to make the choice as to how it should be. It occurs to me that you should spend most of your time with the dogs as they are the best sports & love being outside in any kind of weather, but one the other hand, I'm sure they also like a good curl up on a soft, warm cushion.
How interesting the way a historic castle is managed in England! We in Peru know nothing about that. How wonderful it would be if Lady Carnarvon were to visit my country and give some lectures there. And I sent a note about it to her Publicist.
As someone quite wise opined "There is no such thing as bad weather just bad clothing choices!" Have a lovely day.
Today in Kentucky we are in the midst of significant flooding. All of us are more than ready for some beautiful sunny, warm days after the heavy rains of last week. Alas, now the forecast is freeze warnings for the next few days. Ah, spring in Kentucky!
Good morning from Webster Groves, Missouri, where a freeze warning means covering all of the emerging tulips with bedsheets!
On my first (and only) visit to your beautiful home, I hoped for nice weather, and as the taxi rounded the bend and the first towers came into view, it was a gorgeous day with just enough sunshine and huge puffy clouds, It was like being driven into a postcard.
I would have been overjoyed to be there in any weather, but the stellar day was more than I could have hoped for. Thank you, Lady Carnarvon, for sharing Highclere, and your stories, with all of us!
Weather does have a daily effect on all daily events.
Sadly such worse weather these days due to Climate Change.
Lovely photos again.
Good luck that weather is lovely there on all days of your outdoor events this year!
What a clever blog this morning Lady C. It just shows that even in one small corner of the world the sun and the rain play an important in everyone’s day. I think we got a bit of everything when we visited the castle last year. Happy Easter and blessings on your family and staff as you start your spring/Summer season.
A lovely article.
Here the weather is different every day, inspite of the Weather channel telling us different.
One day plus 21 degrees (Cent.) the next minus 15........then a hugh ice storm with thunder and lightning.
Not knowing what to wear out is a daily question. ("is it too warm?" or do I need extra layers?") Extra layers can be a problem because all the indoor areas/malls etc. are too hot, so then you have to start taking off extra clothes....I always carry a large bag on such days to hold my extra layers in.
Nature is in charge now, as it has always been really.
Best wishes, Angela
Cowslips
I think weather is more extreme
A lovely article, thank you
It does seem that Nature is now fully in charge, always has been I think?
Daily weather forecasts are no longer accurate.......and one problem exists for all of us. "what do I wear today?" Oh, it's minus 9 (centigrade, about 41 Fahrenheit i think.)
That means warm clothes. Leaving home, oh dear it's too warm!! This can find us disrobing in malls/libraries etc. which are overheated. Here in North America we also have what is called "the wind chill factor." That is when strong cold winds can drop the temperature even more.
As a rain lover myself I do look forward to it. However it goes along with plus and cons.
Thank you again for your lovely article. Best wishes,
Angela
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
What a deliciously full life you lead! Thank you for sharing it with us. During Springtime in Chicago we say, "If you don't like the weather, just wait ten minutes!" We go from sunshine and shorts weather to freezing cold, to windy, to downpours...all in one day. We are behind you, our tulips are just peeking through the ground and the grass has yet to green up. But in a month we shall need the A/C!
Thank you again, I so love your column but don't always have time to leave a comment.
Best regards,
Roberta Fox
Lady Carnarvon,
Of the things we humans cannot control, weather is, I believe, at the top of the list. It’s funny that the first question many of us ask in the morning, “What’s the weather like today?” Never a clear answer!
I hope you and Geordie and your staff have “good” weather of some sort!!
Martha (It’s raining here!)
And we so love your unceasing writings - fabulous!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Was it Ben Franklin who said, "Everyone talks about the weather but no one can do anything about it." We can witness four seasons (on cue, Vivaldi) in one day. And while the extremes present challenges to large outdoor gatherings, I firmly believe that there is no one more able than you and your team to have the perfect solutions! "Neither rain, nor snow....etc., etc. I don't want to "overdo" the weather quotes....there are way too many!!
Best of luck with the Easter celebration. I'm sure it will be absolutely wonderful!
Thank you for this lovely post and the fantastic photos. Highclere is stunning! Be well.
Best regards,
Charlotte Merriam Cole
My husband and I are headed your way in beginning of July with Viking. Extremely excited and I will be spending a goodly amount of time in the gift shop no matter how hot it is! I love your beautiful Castle and grounds and it will be the highlight of our very lovely trip.
We have travelled a lot with Viking, so we know it will be a terrific time.
Thanks for opening your home, Linda
I look forward to your blogs each time. We loved our walks on the grounds of Highclere and I love shopping in your precious and idyllic shop!
In central Texas, we have a saying about the weather... "if you don't like the weather, give it a minute...it'll change". It's true. One moment we are hot the next, we are in the throws of thunderstorms.
Isn't nature fun and oh so beautiful?
Best spring days to you and yours,
Julie
Thank you!
Hope you have a wonderful Viking cruise before arriving here - they are a joy to collaborate with !!!
Lady Carnarvon,
Your blog today reminded me of this poem:
"Whether the Weather" by an anonymous British author:
"Whether the weather be fine, or whether the weather be not, whether the weather be cold, or whether the weather be hot, we'll weather the weather, whatever the weather, whether we like it or not."
Have a wonderful day!
I agree - there is hope and realism!!!
it is a fun shop!
See you then !
thank you - crossed fingers!!!
|You are kind - iI need to find a publsiher for South America i think !
Wow - very different
It is amazing here just now
Nature ...
I rise each day with a smile on my face, no matter what the weather, happy to be alive with one more chance to do some good work for the least among us.
If I go to the Easter egg hunt, will I be able to meet you?
Ditto!!
Do you still go by the last name "Aitken"?
If you expect the weather to do as you like, just wait a few minutes and it will change. Great Expectations and what you anticipate will be different. I love the unknown! Cheers from Arizona USA.
I did change my name when I married
I will be there - it is in aid of a great charity Murray Parish trust which is focused and achieves so much in terms of practical help
How many children do you have?
Gosh! I believe that the Weather ☁️ Gods must be very busy complying with every one in Highclere castle. Bit of rain here, some sunshine over there but not too much, clouds unfolding, sunny days for the labradors...hectic days for the gods. Your writing is vivid and lovely. Congratulations!
I ahve one and two step children
Lovely Monday blog! Weather in NW Ohio, USA has been up and down and all around for the past month. Possible snow showers over the next two days and so much colder and hoping it doesn't freeze off all the lovely buds on the flowering trees and shrubs. It is almost always a given every year!
My Mother used to say all of those "old traditional sayings" for every possible scenario, especially
“Ne’er cast a clout, til May is out.” And that one certainly is apt for us in Ohio!
Dear Lady Carnarvon:
Belated thanks for this Monday's blog.
How temperamental Mother Nature is!
Until next time, keep thinking Spring
Perpetua Crawford
I so love the quintessential old England sayings regarding the Weather if getting cloudy an old Kentish saying Its getting very black over Wills Mothers !! and when the evening light is fading Its getting Dimpsey Wonderful