Is it an illusion, or are there more siskins about than there were last year? They have such pretty plumage. Duncan (the dog) does not seem to have had any adverse effect on wildlife in the garden, except that (oh joy, oh bliss, oh rapture!) he has seen off the deer. Long may he continue to patrol the perimeters and keep them at bay. We are very behind with work in the garden, although thanks to the heroic labours of Damien and Terry, the winter digging is complete and the greenhouse almost ready for occupation. In fact, we seem to be behind with everything, or is it just that having an early Easter makes us feel we are?