Four grey squirrels, each accompanied by a tiny rust-coloured baby kit, leapt from the treetops into my coat as I passed through the market. I managed to shake the squirming animals out of my clothing by the time I reached home.

There I found TPR painting the yard a brilliant white in readiness for the annual display summer flowers.  My sister J had already supplied various bowls and tubs of foliage – but it wasn’t even April yet, and nothing would survive the risk of further cold weather until at least the start of May.

Later, when the rest of our family arrived laden with boxes of chocolates, TPR and I stole the best ones and took them to our room.