Up here in Aberdeen, north of the 57th parallel, our spring flowers can be reluctant to emerge from their winter hiding places. So I'm delighted to report that just this week a splash of colour finally appeared in the open area at the top of our street, with those dinky little daffodils bringing welcome brightness to the walk around the block.
I'm also happy to report that, in this neck of the woods at least, the coronavirus epidemic has prompted a flowering of neighbourliness and goodwill. Everyone seems suddenly to have time for a chat - while standing the regulation two meters apart of course. Although in NE Scotland we are also somewhat behind the curve in terms of the spread of the horrid virus, the humans here are naturally worried. (Us pups, not so much, frankly.) There is much discussion about offering help for the older folk and vulnerable local folk who are 'self-isolating', and I can't help but notice that those now 'working at home' seem to have discovered renewed enthusiasm for taking their dogs out for walks several times a day. So it's not all bad news!



