Begin as you mean to go on, as we always say, but it’s often easier said than done. As I listen to Jim Reid sing of ‘Grizzel Jaffray’ from his Emfae Dundee CD it’s easy to feel too far from the comforts of Scotland. It doesn’t help that it remains arctic in New York with at least another week before we see temps rise above that mark. The weather is one thing; the politics another but that’s something to be dealt with off line. I always think of the little boy in My Life as a Dog who found comfort in thinking things were much worse for poor Laika up in the spaceship. Things could be much worse — you don’t have to look far to see that.

I had gone to the gardening exhibit at the V&A before, but I went again — membership has its privileges — and also checked out the new exhibit Thread Memory: Embroidery from Palestine. Dundee is a sister city to Nablus since 1980, so there is a long-standing link between the two countries. This exhibit examines tradition and innovation, comparing the regional styles and techniques but also the ways it embodies resilience as people flee the war. What could be more ephemeral than plastic carrier bags but when you move hastily from what was left of your home, it may be all you have to pack your belongings. To see the skilful needlework on these bags is to understand the power of art to give us hope.

It’s always wonderful to wander along the Tay. Never know who you might meet. Looking forward to my return; in the meantime, much to do.