I posted this blog ten minutes ago, at which point everything except the title disappeared (possibly not unconnected with the content). So I’m having another go … Among the (very first-world) disadvantages of Covid are: having to cancel a trip to Italy; coughing and spluttering; streaming eyes; and (more than usual) brain fog. Consequences are: not going to Italy; not being able to concentrate on anything; failing to plant out sweet peas, prick out seedlings or deadhead anything.

However, it doesn’t take much to see that the problems of one little person don’t amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world. (Thank you, Rick.) So until I am actually capable of sequential thought again, I decided to post some of the pictures I have been tweeting as ‘reasons to be cheerful’ over the last few months. They are mostly of plants, as I am too slow to photograph all the more lively stuff, like the male blackcap who was taking a shower under my little pond fountain the other day.

I need to be recovered by Chelsea (25 May in my case) and the following strenuosities of half term – and ideally sooner, to save the sweet peas – any remedy suggestions gratefully received! And I hope normal service will be resumed as soon as possible.

Caroline