I wonder why we are all so surprised by the coming of spring? It happens every year and has inspired some marvellously evocative poetry. It must be the long weary winter months that have sapped our strength and emotional energy because however predictable the season it is still overwhelmingly wonderful to experience fresh new life wherever you look. One of my favourite copse of trees is about to burst forth, the oak trees are behind all the others but knowing that they will soon be laden with their unique leaves fills me with hope and leaves me smiling for the rest of the morning. I can understand why the ancient peoples felt it was a special tree. Denny