Half Piste . . .

Jools and I went to Caledon Ski Club to check-out the slopes this afternoon. She has been hankering after a skiing holiday ever since we arrived in Canada more than 20 years ago. But for one reason or another - my reluctance, mainly - her wish has been unfulfilled.

However, after half an hour standing at the top of a hill watching skiers of all ages whooshing backwards and forwards, riding ski-lifts then speeding down the slopes, she made a big decision: "Sod this, it's too cold and wet, I'd rather lie on a beach in the Caribbean."

"But we've already done that a dozen times," I responded. "So, let's make it number 13; I'm not superstitious. It's my birthday next month. Barbados will do fine."