Yep, we also get the wet and windswept winter countryside, twisty little backlanes with no drainage that turn into swamps in heavy rain, and all the other associated things.

But I wouldn't swap it for city life. Out here you can walk around in safety, leave your car unlocked most of the time, and still find neighbors who will look out for you. And we do have a new Tesco about 5 miles away which stays open until 10 p.m. now! [Linked Image]

Never had to go out on those sort of emergency calls to climb a pole, but having been in telephone engineering I know all too well how miserable it can be climbing poles even in just light wind and rain.

So to all of you who do have to carry out this emergency work: Thanks!