I asked a dog-walker for the short cut br to the local centre shop. br She told me 'Walk to the village green br then turn right. A skip and a hop.' br 'Thank you' I said, unknowingly br that the village green WASN'T green.. br Everything was blanketed in a coat of snow, br it was WHITE where the green had been! br br I followed the tracks and got to the shop br where crowds were milling about lost. br The bread and eggs they were looking for br could not be bought at any cost. br br The shelves were bare, reminded me br of reports I'd seen on the telly. br Thirds World countries, very little food, br youngsters with hunger-swollen bellies. br br Ah well, it's pasta for me tonight br and tomorrow again, no doubt. br Those tomatoes in cans will be useful and, I expect, br the tin of beans will eke it out.