“O to be in England Now that April’s there . . .” I do not know where the poet  Robert Browning was when he penned these words in his poem “Home thoughts from Abroad” but I first read them as a schoolgirl in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). I was still getting used to living in a new place and I really missed England. First daffodils, then tulips and now blossom on the fruit trees AND the weather is warming up. Next month we have the Coronation of King Charles lll. The last coronation held in the UK was seventy years ago. I remember how excited I was at the prospect of a young princess being crowned Queen. All that pageantry, all those pretty dresses – the entire country seemed to be caught up in coronation fervour.  And now? Times have  moved on and the role of the Monarchy is changing. Will I watch the ceremony on TV? Of course. 

I finished knitting a baby blanket in Sirdar Baby Crofter DK yarn. The variegated yarn looked really pretty when knitted up in squares using the “Domino Knitting” technique. Now I am knitting a second blanket but this time working all the rows in garter stitch  instead  of including some purl rows. 

While knitting I listen to the Radio or watch something on iPlayer. Recently I watched the serialised story “Magpie Murders” by Anthony Horowitz. I always thought of him as a children’s author and was pleasantly  surprised to discover that he also writes for adults. I was really pleased  to discover that Horowitz had written a sequel, “Moonflower Murders”, although to read this I had set aside my knitting.

Now we are one third of the way through the year and well into Spring the “well-being worthies” are promoting their advice on everything from exercise routines to healthy eating and mindfulness. One thing that I know, keeping moving is essential. The old adage “if you don’t use it you lose it” is so true. I had a week of inactivity while suffering from Covid and it is taking me a while to get back into my walking regime. My knees are stiff and painful! But the sun is shining and the birds are singing and getting outside in the fresh air is so rejuvenating. After my walk I need to get out  into my tiny garden to start tidying up after winter.

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