January is something of a ‘double edged sword’ month.

On the one side, the days are short and mostly cold, and there is a kind of Christmas hangover in the air.

Hangovers are something of a nuisance.

On the other side of the January sabre, it has been, for many years now, the month when I have had the good fortune to be able to go skiing.

I love to ski.

Skiing, however, is not reality.

Fortunately My Good Self believes that reality is vastly overrated.

Skiing is akin to being under the influence of some kind of week long hallucinating substance.

It’s a form of dreamlike paradise.

To be surrounded by snow covered peaks. To float down mountains. To drop in to cafes and bars at leisure. To hang out with like minded people.

For My Good Self, it doesn’t get much better.

Come next Sunday I plan to be in the French Alpine ski resort of Tignes, along with some of my skiing buddies.

The Guinness Pensioner, The Prince of Pinner, The Surrey Stockbroker amongst others.

In order to safely ski, I need assistance.

It so happens there exists in life people who are willing to give without asking anything in return.

Without these people I could not safely partake in an activity that is dear to my heart.

I am grateful to those who give and do not ask in return.

Would that all the world were filled with such people.