The wisteria on our garden wall that borders with the neighboring olive farm is looking very pretty now in early April, especially on such a lovely looking day where, like so many days of late, the sun shone brightly. Don't be fooled however. The wind is strong and the air is shockingly cold for April.

My day was 'new normal' as usual, but of course the news of the day is the death this morning of His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. My condolences to Her Majesty on the loss of her beloved husband of 73 years, her life's companion. Often controversial and outspoken, nevertheless a life of service before self. I admire his stand on environmental issues decades before it became politically correct to do so, and, as a High school teacher, I witnessed the extraordinary impact of the D of E award scheme upon British youth. Quite rightly, in my opinion, BBC television has been broadcasting tributes and biographical films all afternoon and evening.