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Well. That cold air that hit the UK on Friday and Saturday rushed down over The Alps and threatened chaos in Central Italy. Lots of snow in the Apennines and traffic all snarled up in Florence. The airport's short runway and surrounding high hills were put to the test by incoming London City flight pilotted by The Boss.

Apparently the captain said he was going to give the landing a go but if he were you it might lead to a couple of tries or a diversion to either Pisa or Bologna. He got the kite down, with some screaming and tears from the punters.

Meanwhile yours truly was stuck in a bivio di traffico (jam) caused by long tailbacks from the heavy snow on the Flos-Bologna motorway - as seen here in the sign and helpful policemen. Boss was not pleased.

We took a circuitous route back to keep moving and no snow arrived. Tomorrow I need to surmount the Consuma to get my snow tyres before the 15th Nov cut-off. Trouble is I might need them to get over the pass.

Funny how winter arrived so suddenly.