Apparently it's the warmest March day in 53 years. While the constant beating of temperature records is clearly a bad thing, it is nice to have some sunshine and warmth after what has been a particularly dreary winter, thanks to COVID. Yesterday the rules in England were relaxed so that up to six people or two households can meet outside, so my swimming friends and I celebrated by swimming as a three for the first time since Christmas Day in glorious sunshine, and it was warm enough to stay in for half an hour.

Today I went for a walk and there were new leaves unfurling everywhere I looked.

I wandered down to the river and spent some time sitting on a fallen tree that overhung the water with my shoes and socks off, intermittently dabbling my feet in the water and enjoying the peace and the sunshine.

I thought I didn't enjoy spending holidays at home, but it strikes me that I've only previously spent holidays this much at home over Christmas, and it turns out having more daylight and warmth and no expectation of festivities or following traditions makes a big difference and I am really enjoying having a break and a chance to spend time outdoors or making things. I am not sure how I'm going to convince myself to go back to work next week, though.