A cold front that hit Europe in early 2012 was deadly. It commenced on 27th January 2012 and brought snow and freezing temperatures to much of the European continent. 824+ deaths reported were reported. Particularly low temperatures hit several Eastern and Northern European countries, reaching as low as −39.2 °C in Finland. The heaviest snow was recorded in the Balkan region.

For those with a sense of humour or with some playful bones in their body, they would have taken it in their stride. For those with emergencies, this could have been the literal arbiter between life and death. The deep snow certainly did not deter the attendees at a demonstration against Putin’s rule held on this day.

Of course it could have led to understandable misunderstandings arising where for instance a mother-in-law was told that the snow was too deep to visit and perhaps even more suspicious if a husband claimed that he would have to stay overnight with his secretary because the public transport was dislocated. What probably raised her skepticism was when she recalled that he had used his car to work that morning!

It is amazing. Wives always assume the worst!