I've always felt there was something of a guff around February, it's cold and dour with Valentines day flung in the middle like an aging aunt with lipstick on her teeth desperately waggling a balloon in your face trying to force you to cheer up and it's hard to spell. Well little did I know, all along there was an expression for just this feeling "February face", marvellous and now what with it being the first day of March meaning spring should be spronging about imminently I hereby intend to cast off my February face and embrace all things vernal (whilst retaining the right to wear a jumper for the next 3 months) Isn't that a cracking word, 'vernal'? Maybe if I had a dog I could call it vernal, "Come here Vernal! No, Vernal, dirty Vernal, back in your bed!" Hmm.
Anyway, just as tidgy little daffodil shoots are having a peep through the topsoil to see if it's warm enough yet so there are projects budding...in the greenhouse of...my work? My study? You get the picture and you can have a peek when they're not quite so green and sprouty looking. However, I will tell you now that down there in the damp dark loam lurks some Nightjars, a proud revival and a blood soaked village hall. Odd. Oop, afraid I have to go now, Vernal's just run off and is worrying the sheep.
P.S. Those of a Bristol persuasion should do their utmost to get down to the Bristol Old Vic and catch the incredible production of Faith Healer showing until April, I even gave it a standing ovation and I don't ovate easily. Although, as my friend Nick was quick to point out, the power of a standing ovation is generally undermined when already seated on a high stool...
P.P.S. Yes that is me in the picture, I think you'll find the word you're looking for is 'cherubic'.
