Is a beautiful, sunny, warm spring day here. No need for a coat! Cherry trees are indeed blooming everywhere, and the city grounds crew have placed fresh topsoil in preparation for planting. Could do with a few fluffy clouds scattered in the sky, but other than that it is a perfect day.

Am kicking off the birthday weekend celebrations tonight by meeting New Friend Andrew for a drink after my private lesson this afternoon and then meeting Meags (the roommate) and possibly the hot Spanish lawyer at the cinema to watch Sweeney Todd (in English with Spanish subtitles).