Has Spring arrived?

Three days ago, when out walking, we heard a woodpecker. Then again the next day, back at the apartment, it was the same fast drilling and unmistakable sound of a woodpecker.

This morning, two sparrows were chasing each other, looking very lively. I have no idea what they were doing.

The snow in Laax (at 3,500 feet) has melted. The meadows, at this time of year normally serving as a toboggan run, are looking bare, as is the ski run down to Falera (at 4,250 feet) – (see photos). The first butterfly in Switzerland has been spotted (so I am told). All this caused by unseasonally warm 10° weather (50° in old money).

The Swiss snow has, in the meantime, moved to the British Isles. I hear that Scotland has more snow than the rest of Europe. Perhaps Scotland will export it. Scottish ski resorts are enjoying a boom and British motorists are learning the benefits of snow chains and winter tyres.

Perhaps spring is coming early to Switzerland. I am getting my swimming trunks out ready to swim in the lake, and my shorts and T-Shorts are standing ready for some serious hiking.

But then, perhaps not. The grass has not yet started to turn green and the ducks have not returned to the Laax lake. The weather could still make fools of us all. A cold snap, 3 feet of snow overnight and the usual chaos will ensue. Yes, three feet of snow overnight will be noticed even here.

I enjoy spring. So getting more value for my money out of ski pass or seeing the spring flowers and feeding the ducks, I win either way.

(Where do the Laax ducks go for the winter?)

another competition - What's your favourite song?

It is not uncommon to be asked about your favourite song. It is more uncommon to be asked this on a skiing lesson, as you stare down the steep and icy part of a "Red Run" (pretty hard). Apparently the idea is that by singing as you ski down, you will forget the difficulty of the slope, as you exercise your vocal chords.

We were asked this question by our ski instructor, while actually perched on the slope itself. All four of us had difficulty in thinking of our answer. Not surprising, when our minds were full of terror, while trying to put into practice what we had just been told.

What would you sing to take your mind off (say) white water rafting, or bungy jumping or parachute jumping. I settled for "When I'm 64" by the Beatles, which I thought was nearly appropriate. This could be heard by the skiier in front. The suggestion to him was that "I will survive" would be a good idea (although not by me, I should add).

What song would you choose for this moment of fear? By making this decision now, it could save from having to do so in a moment of extreme stress. Suggestions and decsions in the "Comments" please.