AFTER a wonderful break out in Florida I returned to my dear Glasgow on Saturday morning just as the first snow began to fall.

I could not have asked for a better homecoming for you see I'm one of those mad folk who actually love the snow.

By 5pm that evening the southside of Glasgow looked like the sort of winter wonderland you'd see on a Christmas card and I absolutely loved all the pictures from across the city posted by friends and family on social media, although my absolute favourite had to be the video my best friend Carrie posted of her

gorgeous wee boy Michael.

He’s only 21 months and was experiencing snow for the first time while sledging down a hill on his daddy's knee squealing with delight at the top of his voice.

Trust me, it was simply the cutest thing you’ll ever see.

Florida was fantastic despite the bad weather, although my holiday spirit was slightly dampened when I learned of the death of yet another great British actor Alan Rickman.

I’ve had the biggest crush on him ever since I saw him as the wonderfully wicked Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves which I actually watched again for the first time in years on Sunday evening in his honour, only to discover how utterly awful that movie truly was and how Rickman’s show stopping performance saved it entirely.

I mean come on, Robin Hood with an American accent? How did I overlook this toe curling performance by Kevin Costner before?

Well I suppose that's what being a love struck teenager will do for you and I wholeheartedly admit to purchasing the movies hit single that shall not be named by Bryan Adams too.

Sixteen weeks at the number one spot back in 1991 and it's still too soon to mention it by name.

I've loved so many of Alan Rickman’s movies from Die Hard to Sense and Sensibility and who can forget his smouldering performance in the music video for the Texas hit song, In Demand?

But it's as the unsung hero of the Harry Potter books and movies I will love and remember him most for. There surely can be no other actor who could have played the dark and mysterious Severus Snape.

Author JK Rowling revealed this week that she entrusted the late actor with a huge secret during filming for the first Harry Potter films.

The author revealed that she told Alan that his character was in love with Harry Potter’s mother Lily which he kept a secret never revealing that Rowling had told him.

I had only been to visit Harry Potter World at Universal Studios a day or so before he passed away, running about Hogsmeade, drinking butter beers and waving my newly purchased Hermione Granger interactive wand about, which at certain points in the themed park actually allowed you to cast spells.

Yes I was that 35-year-old woman throwing small children out of the way while shouting ‘Expelliarmus’ at passers by.

Alan Rickman will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved his work and in his honour I'll be attending the Harry Potter event at Waterstones in Glasgow on Thursday February 4.

It all kicks off at 4.30pm with games, spells and a visit from some owls followed by a screening of

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban movie and much more.

A great wee night out for muggles, witches and wizards alike so make sure you come dressed as your favourite character and join in with the fun.

For more information contact Waterstones on Sauchiehall Street 0141 332 9105.

Delighted to announce that I'll be taking over the reins on BBC Radio Scotland's Music Match for the next month starting tomorrow at 10pm.

It's three hours of music, chat and storytelling so if you're chilling out in the house, getting ready for a big night on the town or driving to work make sure you tune into the show as I'd love your company.

You can get in touch with your stories and requests too so make sure you check out our Facebook and Twitter pages @TheMusicMatch. BBC Radio Scotland, Music Match Friday's from 10pm. 9295fm,

810mw, online and digital.