87. Cilla Black, Ringo Starr and Basil Brush, The Snowman Song (1971)

ITSSNOWINGITSSNOWINGITSSNOWING. It started yesterday morning, gently and almost apologetically. Then, around seven thirty, it started to properly whirl. Overnight, about six inches of it has settled in Hackney. I don't know what to do with myself I'm so overcome.

This afternoon I have sat on one of the deep-frosted sun loungers in my garden, watched kids making an igloo in my square, thrown several snowballs at grown-ups I've never met, and made my very first snowman at the grand old age of thirty. He looked a bit simple, but some nice young men took pictures of it, so at least he felt loved. It also made me remember this video I saw years ago starring Cilla, Ringo and Basil. God bless them all.

86. Piney Gir, Greetings, Salutations, Goodbye (2006)

I'm off to Piney Gir's house this afternoon to listen to her new album and drink some pink booze. It will be lovely. Here's an old song of hers, and one of my favourites.