For every person who has ever lived there has come, at last, a spring he will never see. Glory then in the springs that are yours.

Bears being sent through the mail should never be squashed up to make them fit. It gives them indigestion.

Odd how much it hurts when a friend moves away- and leaves behind only silence.

When sisters stand shoulder to shoulder, who stands a chance against us?

Many a cat can only be lured in by switching off all the lights and keeping very still. Until the indignant cry of a cat-locked-out comes at the door.

A bag of apples, a pot of homemade jam, a scribbled note, a bunch of golden flowers, a coloured pebble, a box of seedlings, an empty scent bottle for the children. . . . Who needs diamonds and van-delivered bouquets?

You never realize how much your mother loves you till you explore the attic - and find every letter you ever sent her, every finger painting, clay pot, bead necklace, Easter chicken, cardboard Santa Claus, paperlace Mother's Day card and school report since day one.