Happy New Year to you Gazette readers. How did you see in 2010? In the pub singing Auld Lang Syne with your arm round a woman you’ve never met before but have now kissed? Sipping something fizzy at a neighbour’s annual soiree perhaps? Or asleep, like I was, at 11pm.

I think I’m getting old.

The evidence is as follows: - I had a sherry on Christmas Day.

- I am due a mobile phone upgrade but am unwilling to change because ‘I’ve just got used to mine’.

- I am thinking of ordering a slanket – one of those blankets with sleeves that have been flying off the shelves at Lakeland Limited and are often seen in Saga magazines.

- I hate snow.

Yes, while those around me celebrate the arrival of white flakes with a snowball fight, I find myself swearing under my breath every time I have to leave the house. Even the dog protested its presence this year, stealing the carrot from a neighbouring child’s snowman and leaving little evidence but for a pool of orangey sick at our backdoor (although as my brother pointed out: all sick features carrot, even if you haven’t eaten any for weeks).

I did put my foot down to this getting old idea, however, when I opened a birthday present last week and was faced with a waist length dressing gown – or, as some dare to call it, a bed jacket.

I resolved never to wear it, saying aloud “I’m in my twenties you know”.

My resolve has since weakened, however, thanks to a half price sale at M&S where I was only offered half its value when I tried to return it without a receipt.

I decided to keep it, just like my mother would, and I must say it’s lovely and warm on these cold nights.