LITTLE PLEASURES OF SICILY

I began the day in a grumpy frame of mind, the ascensorista having arrived to check the lift at 8am., which is the crack of dawn to me, and, as ever, I was the only one in to open up for him and sign his form. My mood was not improved by the fact that I felt like browsing in the shops and maybe buying a new top or an ornament or something, then remembered that on Monday mornings only food stores, stationers and florists are open. [Will I ever get my head around that?]

But then I went for a walk with Simi in the sun, read some of A Young Conservative's excellent and effervescent prose, plus a touching post of James's from yesterday which reminded me how lucky one is just to be alive. So by the time I set out for one of the larger supermarkets I was fine. Here are some of the sights and thoughts that gladdened my heart along the way:

1. Brightly coloured flowers like these displayed in containers along the pavements.
2. An almond tree in blossom by a dry-stone wall.
3. A cheerful and inviting fruit lorry like this one, from which I can buy a kilo of mandarins plus 1.5 kilos of bananas for under 2 euros.

4. How enticing was the aroma of bread and arancine cooking as I turned a corner and neared a panificio.

5. How kindly everyone greeted me and asked after Simi.
6. It was January 29th and warm enough to sit on a café terrace.
7. How delightful it is to be in Sicily, Italy on such a glorious day.