Time changing

Yes, clock has moved one hour forward after midnight and we are now officially in Summer Time. We are also very lucky today to be graced with long and gentle sunlight. I spent good two hours this afternoon getting our front garden ready. Taking out the weeds, re-balancing the soil (the very occasional gardener planted three roses last weekend and created, should we say, a very sculptural surface) and putting down begonias and Guernsey lily (Nerine bowdenii). I smelled the lovely scent from my blue hyacinth as the gentle breeze quietly flowing through. What a nice surprise. Then I remember that it was a cold November day last year when I put down some anemones, crocuses, daffodils, glory of the snow, hyacinths and tulips in the front garden. Not sure how many of them would come out judging the weather so I could only hope for the best when I planted them.

Nature always has a way to surprise me. I think Spring has sprung in our front garden with clusters of white, blue and purplish pink flowers of various sizes (I wanted a cool toned garden). Like the day of clock change, the first bloom feels ever so hopeful, a high point of each year.

I also feel immensely proud of the peaceful but resolute protest march in Taiwan today. Yes, time is changing. People in Taiwan realise that politics can no longer be treated as school boys' game. It has a real consequence and it's about time that people's views are being heard. I am just so proud of the self discipline and determination shown by the general public in Taipei. For me, it truly signifies hope and a high point of this year.