What has happened to April showers? I'm sure I remember a time when I used to run in my cardigan through light warm showers, sheltering temporarily under an ever-soggier copy of Prima! Or, deploying a cheap lightweight umbrella - the kind that folds, neatly, with a flimsy filigree jointing system, into the tiniest of handbags. (The sort that are unsuitable in a storm, with a use-by date of the end of August!)

I'm sure I was always faintly amused by the suddenness of the showers in a cloudless blue sky with full sun. And then just as amused by their abruptness!

At the moment, in Inverness, the rain still has a menace in it - I've hardly been out without my coat, ankle boots, hat and gloves. At Easter, my wee granddaughter asked if Inverness was actually Shivertown (the capital of Coldland where Mr Sneeze lives)? Possibly. I'm not actually sure. I'm searching the local bookshops for Mr Spring Sunshine, Mr Light Rain, Mr Short Sleeves and probably Mr Nostalgia. What a pleasant combo they would be!