Meanwhile here in the UK the rain has come again, but this has not deterred that real mark of spring: Gardening and DIY Man! Not being put off by the weather, he is gathering in flocks at the many outlets dotted around the countryside to gather the materials needed. On the first suitable day his call will be heard across villages and towns through open windows and across back gardens - "bang! crash! buzz! hummm! ouch!" As we all know, once one begins that call many others appear to answer it!

Seriously, the apple tree buds are starting to swell and the cherry trees are blossoming. The willows are really starting to show green, and the birds are all nesting with a vengeance. I've had my first few stalks of rhubarb and taken the first cut off the patch of green stuff that passes for a lawn. I haven't gone into the DIY - I've had the builder and electrician in to knock walls out in, and rewire my kitchen. For the next 2 weeks I am living in a building site, and then there will be a week of the above sounds as the fitter comes to put my new kitchen in. They reckon around a week's work!

Andrea