If winter comes . . .

. . . can spring be far behind?

It has turned very mild today, almost spring-like.  And it seems to have got to the birds.  When I opened the door to let the dog down the garden in the half-light, I was serenaded by a robin in the cherry tree.  It was pleasant, but robins sing all year round so I thought no more about it.  But later, in the park, a wood pigeon burst into coo and as well as what seemed like a multitude of robins, I heard blue tits chattering to each other, wrens singing their song much louder than one would expect from such a small bird and several blackbirds.  But the star of the show was a song thrush and I stood listening to him for several minutes.

Anyway, I've a busy day ahead.  A lunchtime meeting (with fellow directors) with a man who wants to do a deal with us.  We have dealt with him in the past but many of us (indeed, most of us) have learned not to trust him.  Before shaking hands with him, I always make sure my watch is firmly fastened.  After shaking hands, I check that I still have my watch - and count my fingers!  But we still hope to recoup some of our previous loss with the proposed deal.  Time will tell.