1. I make a new purse. It’s a bit hurried and too many things go wrong to make it a total success but some things go well: the neat double fold sits neatly alongside the zip; the cotton disappears into the fabric (pattern/colour-wise) and the width of the foot makes a perfect guide for the French hems.

2. Lily’s freshly clipped softness. Strange’s white belly, stretched out on the bed.

3. Reading an article about Caroline Lucas, I come across this line describing a key, early friendship: “Their house was full of books, her mum read the Guardian, they had Body Shop stuff in the bathroom, and it was like a whole new way of thinking and being. It was extraordinary.” I could have written that. Hurrah for amazing, formative childhood friendships.

1. Breakfast on the balcony in the sunshine – the first time this year. Lily sits with me while the cats – our and next door’s – explore the gardens. (It seems like Feb 27th is the day to breakfast on the balcony again.)

2. I dig out my Appleton’s shade card box to help decide on the colours for a new project. I wouldn’t have bought one full price (hurrah for an ebay bargain) but it really is the most useful thing. The colours are just beautiful.

3. Strange snuggles in between me and Lily. In her dream, she pads on Lily’s paw. Lily wouldn’t tolerate such behaviour from anyone else but from her best buddy Strangy, it’s allowed.

1. A dozen little birds in the elder tree. Half flee as soon as we see them, as if they suddenly know they’re being observed.

2. The rumbling drum underneath the song.

3. Something is wrong with the design but I can’t tell what. I tweak some things and take a long look from a long distance but it’s only when I go back to my original reference material that it clicks.

3b. Freehand, with a pen, it’s a lot easier to make even more improvements.

1. The morning is bright and sunny. I hug the dog and take photos of the pretty cat on the window sill.

2. We are, in general, a bit disappointed with our tiles but looking closer, we all find things we like and want to try again.

2b. We joke, back and forth.

2c. I *just* catch the bus in both directions.

3. The last episode of Parks and Recreation is sappy but (with the exception of April) true to its show and its characters. I enjoy it a lot (even though I’d forgotten to go for waffles before hand and not planned the washing schedule right to allow me to watch it from under my Ann Perkins blanket).

1. It’s not fine dining by any means but brie spread on muffins hits a comfort food spot.

2. I stand amongst the birches and just breath.

3. Most of the tiles are distinctly underwhelming but a few of them a very pleasant indeed.

1. For fluffy nonsense white bread, the loaf cuts amazingly well. My slices are uniform and don’t collapse under pressure. (They do though tear during buttering.)

2. To have the opportunity to change my plans and make the most of the sunny day.

2b. Lily grazes on the grass while I talk to my new plot neighbour. He tells me that another plot has a new tenant too and suddenly I don’t feel like I’m the newcomer any more.

2c. Measuring and plotting my growing space. Each square on the paper equals 20cm in real life. It is amazingly satisfying to draw to scale.

2d. Lily lollops around the park in the sunshine. Her fur glows.

3. The curry’s complex flavours, even though it was a relatively quick and relatively improvised recipe. Well done John.