Bluesisbluewiththecold outaboutourlittlecoldsnap?

anguish, on a snow-swept Fifth Avenue, at the searing pain being inflicted by the icy wind on our frozen ears.

But New York was still open for business. It’s true what they say, New York never sleeps, even when the Hudson is frozen solid.

It’s also fair to say that all the dollars we had saved for the sales was soon spent on thick coats, woollens, balaclavas, boots, gloves and fur hats.

I looked so big and menacing that when I marched down the street, everyone, even the street-smart gang members would move aside when I approached.

Not so with the gruff security guarding the city’s many landmarks, restaurants and museums – they would pull me up at every turn.

One even thought I was an Irish terrorist.

Here at home, though, we should get a grip and stop moaning incessantly about our wee winter blues, not when you see what those across the pond have to deal with.

Finally, the AA have warned that anyone travelling in icy conditions should take a shovel, blankets, sleeping bag, extra clothing (including scarves, hats and gloves), a 24-hour supply of food and drink, some de-icer, rock salt, a torch, spare batteries, a can of petrol, a first aid kit and some jump leads.

I felt like a right tube with all that on the train. I bumped into my mate Mike who, sadly, only has one arm. “Where are you going?” I asked. He said he was going to change a

light bulb.

“Isn’t that going to be a bit difficult, given that you’ve only got one arm?” I pointed out “Not really,” he shot back. “I’ve still got the

receipt!”