We awoke to the news that Mother Nature has viciously smacked Japan with the most powerful earthquake in recent history unleashing a titanic tsunami that is powering across the entire Asia-Pacific region at the speed of a passenger jet. My grumble about a bit of chilly weather in our corner of the world now seems pathetic. I have it to hand to the ingenious Japanese who have minimised damage and casualties with clever application of technology. Other nations in the region may not be so fortunate.

The entire Pacific Ocean is framed by faults and volcanoes that geologists call the ‘ring of fire’. Since we foolishly live on top of the extremely active Anatolian Tectonic Plate it’s only a matter of time before we experience the earth moving beneath our feet and our jerry built dwelling may well collapse like a house of cards. Liam served up a spicy curry last evening with egg fried rice and home made onion bhajis. It was delicious but I’m now dealing with a ring of fire of my own.