The Blizzard

About a week after Max died, we escaped to the Lowveld, where we stayed at Ashbourne Lodge, owned by Rob and Dawne Topham. Rob is a gregarious guy and reminded us both of Carlo, our larger-than-life ex-boss. When we told Rob of our desire to jump off the hamster wheel, he gave us an allegory that has stayed with us.

‘Most people,’ he said, ‘spend their lives sitting in front of a warm fire with a glass of red wine. They are comfortable, secure and content, unaware of the blizzard outside. Every now and then one of them gets up from the fire and opens the door. Some come straight back. But those that do venture out, when they return frostbitten and draggled, have the most incredible stories to tell.

It’s tough,’ he continued, ‘to get up, pull on warm clothing and step away from the security and comfort of the fire. It might end up in failure, but it’s worth the risk.’

And so when Ricky called, we knew that we had to step out into our blizzard. When I emailed Rob to tell him, he replied:

‘Fantastic. Collars upturned, balaclavas on, huskies tethered….then get ready for the first person to say, “Hell, you guys are so lucky!” Well done. Now…UN Peacekeeping! Nicky…long skirt, leather sandals, burn your bra, and don’t wash your hair until Michaelmas. Brady….bell bottom denims and a ‘Ban the Bomb’ pendant! Please send a photo when you have your kit appropriately assembled.’

I’ll post the photo when I find a pair of bellbottoms!