Those in the know are saying that this third week of January is the most depressing week of the year: a combination of post-Christmas blues, post-Christmas empty pockets, relentless winter weather and the feeling that it’s ALWAYS FLIPPING DARK AND WET AND COLD OUTSIDE makes this the low-point of the year before spirits start to lift with the first signs of Spring.

So, much as I am in principle resolutely opposed to those circular emails with funny pictures of cats in comedy costumes, I offer a few pictures which might just lift your spirits a little bit.  Is that a smile I see…?  Just a little smile…?

And just to prove that Belfastians have the best sense of humour: isn’t this the best graffiti you’ve ever seen?

And one from the early days of the what Quarter?

And one from the lovely people in Holywood Parish – this teeny tiny misprint appeared just after I had moved from Holywood to The Dock – I always knew the Holywoodians thought I walked on water…