In case you're not a fellow resident of Colorado, let me explain the weather.

It doesn't mess about. Between mid-May and mid-November, it's hot 'n' sunny (90 degrees F and above June-September). It rains in September. Usually around 4pm, for about half an hour. The snowiest time of year is March and April, but this winter it's been pooping snow on us since early December.

Last night and tonight it snowed, but only left about an inch or two of the white stuff on both occasions. This, of course, would bring the whole of Britain to a standstill, but it goes almost unnoticed here. Bear in mind that the sun during the day usually melts most of it off the roads. This gives the council a lucky break as it means they can spend less money on snow ploughs, and (by the look of things) more money on sports stadiums (because three just isn't enough) and traffic wardens.

I'm starting to formulate the theory that they're genetically engineering increasingly more heartless and evil Parking Dept staff. It's a bit like Genesis of the Daleks (yes that is Phil Collins as Davros - hence the title), where Davros kept adjusting the DNA of his creatures, until they were totally evil, and despite pleas from The Doctor, refused to give them the ability to pity. If you've ever tried parking on the streets of downtown Denver, you'll see the connection straight away.

I have a lengthy (true) story of my encounters with the Parking Daleks of Denver, which should probably be billed as, "a gritty tale of horror, suspense, parking meters and extermination", however, I'll save it for another time.