Lakes

It's that time of year where Gemma, I, then Gina, have our birthdays, each 4 days apart. Needless to say that none of us feel much like celebrating. As a distraction, we're away from home for the period, but there are plenty of "Gina would have..." moments to negotiate.

Firstly, Gina would have been home. If we had been away, she would have joined us. She also loved the outdoors and would have enjoyed our walks round the Lake District. She would have taken the challenge of getting across the water on stepping stones.

Gina would have approved of the white sheets in the apartment. She would have encouraged us to climb hills and walk further and would have loved the glorious May weather.

As it is though, it's just the two of us at the moment, trying to balance some sense of enjoyment with the guilt which comes with that.

Today has been the most low-key birthday of my life, but that's what I needed.

Saturday will be the toughest day. Gina would have been 29.