assuming a certain base level of competence in winter driving, of course.

It's always hard when friends die... I've lost a couple, though they (so far) have been due more to mishap than the ravages of age. However, don't forget, we all have the same amount of time left... the rest of our lives. Time is not what makes us; it's what we make of it. I have no doubt that things will become better... and use the opportunity to renew and strengthen the ties of friendship, and try to organise meetups with them from time to time; the web of friendship is far more than any wealth.