As we crossed the border at Carter Bar, I calculated that we would reach my mother’s house around 4pm. By this time my passengers would be rather hungry. I would not take any chances on the stock of my mother’s fridge and kitchen cupboards, so stopped off at the first shop to buy four (very expensive) sandwiches to eat in the car.

Later, I trudged through six inches of snow looking for JG so that I could celebrate his birthday with him. My feet were freezing in Jesus sandals and no socks.