Splash of Colour

We spent another day with our grandson and part of it visiting his great-grandmother - their dates of birth more than 90 years apart. With four sons of her own, she has a wide circle of family radiating out down the generations. The picture isn't really a visual metaphor, because she's far from a prickly character. It's true, though, that despite spending most of her life in Birmingham, she hasn't lost her Lancashire accent or her preference for plain speaking. I wonder how many nine-month-olds have honed their crawling skills across her carpets - but you might think he was the first, to see her pleasure in his company. Her nurturing skills also extend to cacti, it seems - she is caretaking this one for a grand child

Another part of the day was at a playgroup, informal and loosely structured. Some parents, some child minders, some grandparents, some people of goodwill making tea and coffee. A lot of kindness, co-operation, mutual support. Children enjoying the experience of being alive and engaging with the world. In a time that sometimes seems dark and malign, it is a joy to have an insight into such a positive antidote