Do not pass word, do not transfer $200

The problem with being able to do so many things online is that everything needs a password. Now, I think I'm reasonably good with passwords and could remember a few different passwords, pass codes and memorable words, and even which one goes with which account, if I could simply choose a strong password for each account.

But these days, half the accounts require particular versions of password strength. This one needs letters and numbers; that one upper and lower case. This one must be more than 8 characters; the other 6-8 and case doesn't matter.

I end up putting in a 11 character long word, when I was only allowed to use 8 to start, or something equally silly. Then, I start trying other things that I know aren't right, and of course each attempt is like rolling a double - have another go, and after three goes I'm in jail, or rather, locked out. Unfortunately, another double can't get you out again. It might not cost $50, but if it's a serious account, it's at least a phone call, not necessarily to the same country and/or timezone.

I don't know about anyone else, but I'd find it much easier if the login screen told me what restrictions had been placed on the magic word to start with. If I didn't have to stop and think "Was this the one that had to have two digits, or was that so-and-so", I just might get it right.

Never mind the cold

Speaking of the weather, my mum says that winter really started with the first cold snap of the year on the day I was born. It seems to have happened on or very soon after that date many times since, as well. This year was no exception, although thankfully it didn't happen quite as drastically as predicted.

Mind you, after five London winters, I can handle the "cold" temperature. I just wish a similarly named virus hadn't come at the same time. Hopefuly it will go before I have to catch a plane!

Always take the weather with you

Yesterday we nearly had four sesons in one day, but the rain didn't really take off. Apart from that, the last week or so has been full of gloriously sunny autumn days. Of course, exactly what this looks like depends on how many English trees there are around, but in any case it's quite nice.

In contrast, during the two weeks of school holidays, there were 14 consecutive rainy (mainly drizzly) days. Being the first time this had happened in Sydney in at least 15 years, it was more familiar to me than most. The London-style weather even went with us when we headed to Albury for a long weekend, even though it hadn't rained there since time immemorial (for months, at least). It rained nearly all the way back up the Hume Highway, and while the land clearly needed it, it's only natural to wonder how we managed to have the rain with us for all 16 days of the holidays.

Anyway, I'll keep enjoying the autumn until I fly off, landing in a London summer. I might have to find a way to kill eight hours in a Beijing transit lounge, but I'm told I'd better be home soon.

The photo is from the one day in London when the camera came out despite overcast and rainy weather. Five points for the name of the tallest building, ten for guessing where I was standing (unless you were there). Five points for counting the references to song titles, too.