Snow time like the present

Good afternoon from wrap-up Britain. It’s grey and cold – bit like the Brexit deal – arrgh did I mention the ‘B’ word? Sorry like many I’m royally fed up with the whole sorry debacle. Up the Channel without any sign of a rescue paddle!

Talking of words it’s Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and there are stories a plenty encouraging ladies to take up their annual smear test. Around 3,000 women are diagnosed with Cervical Cancer in the UK every year. If diagnosed early then treatment and survival options are good yet figures published by the fabulous charity Jo’s Trust – http://www.jostrust.org.uk -reveal that over a million women don’t bother to attend for screening. Having been through tests and initial treatment following an abnormal smear a few years ago I wholeheartedly applaud any campaign that raises awareness for this disease and encourage anyone who is invited for a smear to do it – or to speak to their GP/ practice nurse or the peeps at Jo’s Trust to discuss any reservations. I am also happy to share my experience with anyone who is hesitant so feel free to ask!

It’s been snowing here this week and as I drove home in a snow shower I couldn’t help but get excited. There’s something childlike and magical about the snow and it reminded me of a similar time last year when it snowed during half term. Both boys off and usually reticent to venture outside – ‘too cold; I’m working (err right!), I will later’ are the usual excuses. But seeing the garden in a decent covering of the white stuff they decided to head out and challenge each other to a snowball duel. I’m upstairs listening to their squeals of horror at being caught and delight in hitting the target when it calms down and there is general talk that I can’t make out. Suddenly the big one shouts ‘Mum..mum…look outside, quick..’ I head to my bedroom window figuring they’ve made a snowman. Oh momma bear, you should know by now that they are beyond the realms of making cute snowmen! I look outside and am greeted by a giant snow penis etched out across the lawn in full view of both neighbours! ‘What the xxx’ I exclaimed followed by the name of said eldest. Art is not the strong point in our family so I was quite impressed it resembled something recognisable. I did laugh – as did they on retreat indoors all rosy cheeked and cheeky banter. Their garden art isn’t to my particular taste but their evening giggles following their spontaneous act warmed my heart. Sometimes it’s good to just be a big kid. I’m hoping for more snow this half term to see what they’ll surprise me with next!