Its that day of the year, the winter clouds have pulled back, the sun is just up, crocuses are peeking through the grass, yellow, pink and purple flecks, blue tits are flitting in an out of the fruit trees and rose bushes, a mahogany coloured, female blackbird is scouting for a nest space, while the coal black male with the yellow beak watches her driving the cats mad with frustration; and old faithful, pictured, will get its first rub down of the year, tyres pumped, gears checked - spring, its like welcoming home an old friend. As I sit typing this, Van Morrison is singing, Rave on John Donne - ooh, and I am so tempted to post that but not this morning. This morning the citrus early grey is reaching parts the winter had forgotten existed, the senses are awakening, the creases unfolding, creaks oiling out, not a day for maladies. I know I have posted this clip before - some time back - but I absolutely adore it, Mali Sadio by Toumani Diabaté and Mangala Camara. It makes me feel like spring is here and summer is close by. If you are near my house around four this afternoon, ring the doorbell, come out back, we can flip open a beer and sway...
