Thank you so much for all the words of appreciation for the road map for life, in a leaf, a warm indoor blip. Yesterday was a constant change of 15 minute blizzards then 15 minutes sun. What a difference a day makes, heaps of sunshine and a chance to walk on the top without biting wind in your face.

Many years ago when I did little stints for Nikon, demo-ing kit at trade fairs, a small old man came up to the counter. He was interested in an external battery pack for his SLR as protection against the cold. I gently pointed out the thermometer would have to dip below -16 for him to need one. He proclaimed in his broad accent 'I'm from Lincolnshire where the wind comes at you like a circular saw'. I've never forgotten him and his turn of phrase.

Today, the water in the bird bath still hadn't frozen over by mid-afternoon, after a blast from the kettle first thing.

All MrP's birthday cards are here. He's not though. Happy Birthday MrP, Bon Ski.