Thanks to my niece Aimee for creating this little creature, which will accompany me to Antarctica. Along with industrial strength survival gear, too much camera equipment and an optimistic number of blank books in which I intend to finish the first draft of my novel about Ingrid Christensen. I’m counting down the sleeps, laying out thermals and socks in neat piles and scrubbing/vacuuming/washing absolutely everything that’s coming with me, as the biosecurity regulations are strict. No outside organisms to be introduced to Antarctica – apparently it’s amazing what the old fluff in your pockets can conceal. Seeds, dirt, bacteria, unfilled wishes, old tissues, hopes, dreams, fantasies, falling stars.