This morning on my constitutional trot, I spotted this chap trotting across the road. By the time I'd fished my phone out from under several layers to take a photo, he'd reached the shelter of a hedge. It was pouring down.
According to the wisdom of the internet, hedgehogs don't come out of hibernation until mid to late March so this one, considering he's in Scotland, is early. It must be getting warmer.
Do you remember last year? Weeks after this and we were still shivering and peering around for some signs of spring shoots.
This year there are many signs of life. A blue tit spend an afternoon inspecting our nesting box, I'm not sure if it moved in or not. Blossom is out and flowers everywhere.
All we need is for the rain to stop.
We're even prepared to dress for the spring. Our friends at Vertbaudet have sent Boy Three a smart shorts and polo shirt outfit. Only he, quite sensibly, refuses to don it until he can wear it outside. "I can't put shorts on with my wellie, can I mummy?"
And I have a pair of beautiful blue suede loafers and a pale bag from Hotter that I can't wait to wear out - only not until it's dry.
If you're in the business of preparing you and yours for the blistering sunshine that must surely come to dry up all the rain, you could do worse than look at these companies.
Navy Cap, £9; Aqua Polo Shirt, from £14;
Jeans, from £14; Shoes, from £33; Navy Cardigan, from £19;
Green Trousers, from £16; Green Check Shirt, from £18; Shoes, from
£19 Coral and White Sweater, from £19; Long Scarf, from £9; White Shorts, from £15; Shoes, from £38
Vertbaudet stockist details: www.vertbaudet.co.uk, 0844 842 0000
