26th April Spring is the most important thing happening here. This is how far a chestnut blossom at the back of the house has progressed. I'll give you an update soon. I love Spring, this year particularly, because it mirrors my own joy. Someone offered me this link on cheerfulness . I can't decide if it's wise or inane. Certainly it contains plenty of common-sense and folk-wisdom. But the man is a therapist and this is a prescription for the attainment of cheerfulness. I don't suppose he has run a trial on its effectiveness and any harmful side-effects. 6th May There are various products of evolution which fascinate me endlessly - the domestic cockerel gallus gallus , the peacock, the cock pheasant, the horse chestnut, especially its blossom; the durian, that aromatic fruit from south-east Asia. There is mystery about their showy natures, their gratuitous glory. Here the chestnut cycle unfolds daily and there is one at the back of our flat, overhanging the car park...