Feeling old....

...but not quite as old as this gnarled, ancient cherry tree in the garden. The trunk is about 30 inches diameter, it has lost most of its upper branches over the years after much climbing and having swings attached, the trunk is twisted and bent over, and all Winter it looked like it had finally died. Now once again it is covered in blossom. Beauty in old age - very heartening (psyching myself up for a SP here...)

Easter break is now officially over, and I should have been luxuriating in having the house to myself. #1 daughter away on holiday with bf, #2 daughter back at school, #2 son away on a Geography trip looking at rivers in the Peak District, #1 son moved out a month ago - or did he? For the last few days he's been here groaning and occupying the sofa under a pile of blankets, weakly demanding hot drinks and the TV remote control. Yes, it's... the dreaded man-flu! I can see I'm going to have to apply my tried-and-tested remedy, namely a hearty smacking across the face, accompanied by the words "pull yourself together, man, it's a COLD!"