Love Sunshine

That's the spirit: East Londoners get some early training for the summer season (London Fields, 09/02/08)

What a weekend, and what a gladdening spectacle. The sun fhas been glorious for the last 3 days. It topped fifteen degrees in London, and it's still only February. I spent most of it basking in my open window, shielded from the breeze, and feeling the quickening of my blood as the sun did its magic. The sun is too low on the horizon for UV rays to penetrate the atmosphere at this time of year, but something was working to lift me up. Maybe the warmth, or the idea of it. What does it matter? it did the trick.

As the sun slipped below the flats opposite I went in pursuit, and found it and what it bestowed blessing East London. Broadway Market was teeming with trendies lapping it up as they spilled beerily across the the road on Saturday. London Fields was packed with sun-baskers - can they be bathers if fully clothed? - who moved around the park in pursuit of the sun. A reminder, if one were needed, that this is truly a nation of sun-worshipers determined not to waste a drop. Even in February.

I'd love to state that this bodes well for the Summer Campaign, but am all too aware of the false promise of last spring. The warmest sunniest April was followed by an unspeakable excuse for a summer. Let's ensure it get's it right this year...