D.O.P.-T. (yesterday)

The ivy putting out new, bright green growth is usually one of my most important signs of spring. I missed it this year because we no longer go past a particular house on walkies where the front yard is covered in gravel edged with insubordinate ivy. But the ivy elsewhere is making sure I notice it - with the late rain and alternating showers and sun, it's heaping up in mounds, waving its tendrils at me. And yes, many of them are new and bright green.

D.O.P.-T.

I have another terrible cold - this time I still have my voice, although somewhat reduced, but am coughing almost constantly - and had to call in from work tonight.