Rodinal, vitamin C, grain, & bad weather

OK, I have Pat Gainer's magic mix under control now (Rodinal 1:50 plus 4 g/l sodium ascorbate). Times for Ilford FP4+ are at or just under the 1:25 times. This is a great modification- the visual sharpness is fantastic and, depending on subject and lighting, the prints have a real "etched" look. Now my problem is aesthetic. Here in upstate NY the conditions are gray gray gray most of the time. The etched look and sharp grain pattern adds some interest to otherwise rather blah 35mm landscapes. Xtol gave me a much smoother rendition, but no good reason to look at it! Anyway, it's a great modification if you want the Rodinal look, but a bit finer grain. I'm curious, how do you all handle flat gray conditions when the weather won't cooperate?

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