Oh to be in England, now that April's here

The plum blossom is just about gone now (and the leaves opening) - and while there was a hint of frost early this morning, none while the flowers were out, so hopefully a good crop this year. The tulips - most of them bulbs that were in the garden when we moved in, and so must be over 20 years old - are at their height, great red blooms in front and back gardens. And though the sakura viewing season is over in Japan, our morello cherry is just starting to burst its buds in a mix of pale green leaf and white blossom.

Later - getting home, I thought I saw the first glimpse of the housemartins returning for the summer. For certain, the evening air was full of birdsong.