From out of all the rainy, cold weather that we have had in spades in recent months - wet that has left things mouldy and damp and without proper dryness - comes a warm, sunny May day. I thought my eyes were playing tricks when I saw the the temperature gauge was 23 degree C, well above the regular average for this time of year.

So out goes the washing - tops and bottoms that take an age to dry in wet weather, clothes jostling for a position on the too-full washing line, racks with underwear and socks and face washers dangling by a peg.

I must be s simple soul because I find it a glorious sight.