No one sees but me. . . . . .

. . . . . . the elderly German neighbor on his early morning walk.

A red scarf round his neck, a cap, comfy walking shoes.

He looks down mostly, perhaps afraid of tripping. . . . or

slipping on wet oak leaves continuing to fall and float

in rain puddles.

The empty, damp morning doesn't phase him, just as the heat

 of July brings him up the street and back, several times

each early morning.

We admire him. We are not so dedicated. 

I was up early today - dull and wet yet again. I switched on all the lights

before seven to brighten up the rooms while the coffee pot gurgled. 

I unwrapped our annual Italian Panettone sweet bread, sliced it open

and admired how it was studded with golden raisins, candied orange

 and citron peel.

One tall, slim wedge on a pretty china plate was all I needed. 

Yes, I know, the decorations are still here and will remain today.

Tomorrow and Sunday, sunshine is promised and our efforts to put things

 away from both house and garden, will hopefully be a bright and cheery job.

See them? My two amaryllis bulbs from last year are at last coming to life! 

One has three leaves growing fast - I've already had to push a few twigs in the pot

 to steady them. The other one I had given up on until yesterday when there it

was. . . . . . .a tiny green point pushing up, trying to catch up.

I'm excited!