Spring?

It's the little things that make a difference.

The sun is shining, there is a cold wind and a blue sky, so for the first time this year, I hung the washing outside to dry. It's a ritual: put all the laundry in the machine before breakfast, then by ten hang it on the line and have a cup of tea, to feel that something has been accomplished, however little. I like to see washing blowing in a breeze, there's an atmosphere of domesticity and peace about it.

But my feet felt freezing after walking on the cold sodden grass on the lawn, still uncut and lush, full of moss and worm-casts. There is frog-spawn in the pond, and the tits are beginning to nest in the balls guarding our neighbours' gateposts.

Yes, Spring.