Undimmed

When an evening's chat with a long-standing friend ranges from assisted dying, through fund-raising for community projects costing over £1M, takes a diversion through the challenges of renewable energy infrastructure and ends on Irish architecture and geology, you know you have had a good session. Some people are so good at keeping their mind agile and engaged

I remain vigilant for signs of spring. This much mis-used Viburnum suffers from shading, competition, overcrowding and occasional trampling by me, the heating engineer or sundry odd-job people. Like our friend, it does not let life's problems overwhelm it and shows a cheerful and determined face to the world. When these buds break, they will smell bright and refreshing, like good company