Whoa – autumn just turned up and punched me on the nose. Two days ago it was tee-shirt weather, and now I’m digging out the old overcoat. And, right on cue, the heating packs up. Where is global warming when you need it?

But, despite the cold, the sun is shining brightly, the trees are glowing in their golden mantles and the little children are running in our grounds, shouting and screaming in delight as they menace a tiny dog. Isn’t it wonderful? The joys of life, the slow turn of the seasons.

Ah, wait, things are returning to normal – the old harridan from across the way has just informed the children that they are not allowed on the grass, the dog looks like he’s suffering a minor heart attack, the sun’s now hidden behind an ominous looking cloud, and my headache is getting worse.