Typical April weather.....

Having recently been in Umea, Northern Sweden, to enjoy Goran's (Eliasson) finely portrayed and sung "Poet" at Norrlands Opera, where it was definitely chilly, and then "bouncing" almost directly to Paris and a much warmer temperature, I'm now enjoying the English spring - brilliant sunshine first thing in the morning and as the day progresses, sudden and frequent thunder storms and warm showers - never a dull moment. Driving around the local meandering country lanes I'm greeted by banks of brilliant yellow daffodils, hedgerows and trees alive with vivid green leaves of every hue, and primsoses, celandines, and crocuses sprouting along grass lined ditches - yes, everything is really springing into life - why is it always such a surprise every year ..! The season starts later in Sweden, and I find it charming that twigs and small branches are decorated with brightly coloured soft "down" feathers as Easter decorations.... We are spoiled for choice here with our myriad wild flowers - often referred to as weeds when in a "cultivated" garden. As mine is rather natural I enjoy the native species, and dandelions are magnificent, especially in masses on grass verges alongside roads, like great yellow Dutch patterned carpets. Now I fully understand why flower shops are so busy in Stockholm as they have quite a limited season. Anna (Larsson) and I visited a very innovative lady flower arranger, Olivera I think is her name, at her fascinating shop, "Gullvivan" - (could that mean primrose?) on Lidingo, Stockholm. With her talented assistant she creates the most dazzling floral displays and bouquets - and we have a date for her to.... guess what? Yes - breathe ! The habit of efficient breathing is catching on in the most unlikely places - Glory be! It brings to mind a song, of which I change the words slightly - "I want to teach the world to breathe in perfect harmony" - if only that were the key to universal peace..... At least it works for most of my "regular" breathers.... Of whom, Anna L is the most experienced, and about to embark on another version of "Erda", this time in Vienna - her Euridice from the recent "Orphee" in Stockholm - Lisa Larsson, was there last week - they do get around these girls !! Toi toi toi Anna, I know you'll keep breathing wondrously....and I wish you all the same ......