I write this from a tent in a field in Northumberland. I am having a Roman camping adventure with Amy, hitting up all the best forts and castles along Hadrian’s Wall. We’ve nerded-out in the gift shops with reference books on Vindolanda and the Roman Army which’ll feed into my Warlord Games Roman army. Did you know trousers were banned in the Empire by Imperial decrees in AD 397 and 399?

To tide you over Ninjabread-wise until I return later this week here is the birthday card I made for Amy whose birthday it was Friday, and which we’re using as an excuse for this impromptu holiday.

Why wasn’t she born at a warmer time of year?