1. Smacking a hardboiled egg to break the shell.
2. Pale green leaves on the huge oak tree at the corner of The Grove.
3. There is nothing quite like hearing about the history of diseases to make you feel grateful for living in the twenty-first century. I'm listening to Crypt by Dr Alice Roberts, and I've reached the chapter on leprosy.
1. Smearing a bit of filler into the holes in Alec's bedroom wall where we've taken out screws and fixings. We're summoning the energy to redecorate, so I thought I might as well do the filling.
2. I only realise when I have a cup of tea in my hands how thirsty I am.
3. The wind has been in the north for a few days, and that side of the house is noticeably cooler. I'm glad I can escape into the warmer rooms on the south west side.
1. I murmur an acknowledging greeting to a passing bin man.
He is a well brought-up African and replies with eye contact and a warm 'Good morning. How are you?'
I then have to respond with information about my wellness, and a polite inquiry about his. For me as a well brought-up woman from south east England, this is terribly awkward; but I value the disruption and I appreciate the warmth.
2. A new tube of toothpaste and a birthday card -- these are not difficult errands.
3. I discover that Is it Cake? is a real thing, not just invented for a gag on Ghosts. I only know this because my husband and daughter are fans.
3b. The episode of Successville in which Martin Kemp gets so confused that he forgets his own name will never, ever get old.
1. No tadpoles that I can see -- but something flips in the water just beyond my field of focus.
2. I take the muddy path so I can check on the orchids -- their spotted leaves are present among fine new grass blades.
3. Nick has bought the better kind of chocolate spread -- the one with loads of hazelnuts in it.
1. Getting back just before the rain.
2. Smearing filler into wall holes.
3. We have had a collection of empty Prime bottles for a while now because when this influencer-powered energy drink first came out, the children were sure they would be valuable one day. But now thinking has changed, and I get permission to put the lot in the recycling.
1. Unexpectedly, a chance for a coffee and a gossip. Our slower times have converged again.
2. I make a short (and rapid so I'm not noticed) diversion through the park and to see Bettany and friends playing on the swings.
3. In my absence, the bank has become covered in spring flowers -- violets, primroses in various shades of yellow and ochre, and anemones, and even some early bluebells.
1. Squirrel! Little skinny thing with a bottle brush of a tail crossing the snow to a twisted latch.
2. Where the snow was yesterday, among the bruised winter grass are yellow genapy flowers and white anemones and others that I don't know.
3. Up high where there's nothing but snow, rabbit tracks.