Friendships

I've always found , here in Ulverston, that people are particularly friendly at Christmas.

There's a lot of friendly banter about and with this cold spell there's a great communal spirit and concern for each other.

This is perhaps more prevalent where people live close to each other. I imagine there will be more of it about in areas of terrace housing than in the grand housing areas of The Drive and Ford Park. Here it's possible for people not to have a clue about who lives next door or if they do know something  - it's very little.

With last night's, I suspect, lowest temperature for many years (our water supply froze) there will be others for whom this weather is not a time for taking fabulous photos but one of hardship and perhaps misery.

Now is a time to be watching out for those who are having a hard time coping. A knock at the door to check that help is not needed will be in order.

A balance has to be struck , enjoyment and concern for others - moderation in all things - as they say.

Nevertheless the occasional extremes add spice to life.