The Richard Spooner Column: View from a window (part 2)�

One of the joys of working from home, as we have discussed before, is realising that there is so much going on out there. Stuff you know nothing about as you toil away in your city centre office.

I thought I would give you another update (see Spooner, January 28, 2021, for the first) observed from my window in an unremarkable urban setting.

First, I must given credit to the ringed-necked doves who have been building a nest in a large conifer in full view of my desk. Their delivery routine of twigs outshines any of the logistics firms who have been thriving in the lockdown (reminder to self: delivery of wine due between 12.35 and 2.35 pm).

These doves have been beavering away for days, getting ready for their new arrivals. I wish them luck and not reveal that the conifer is due for felling. I 've told the tree fella to delay his mission.

Major excitement arrived yesterday when it became apparent that a neighbour was having an artificial lawn laid in her back garden. The “turf ” arrived the day before and looked like a new carpet until the sheer weight became apparent as two guys expertly unloaded it.

I 'm not sure about artificial turf. Sounds great and its development has come on in leaps a bounds in recent years. Always looks perfect and no more the chore of mowing every week.

My lawn is looked after for a small fee by a guy hired by the apartment condominium. But I do miss the satisfaction I used to get from mowing a lawn with that wonderful smell evoking sunny spring and summer days. Artificial lawn fans eat your hearts out.

Gardens, of course, are dominating activity at the moment - every weed patch has been sprayed; proper lawns have had their first mows; bushes, hedges and edges trimmed.

All spruced up and ready for days of freedom, starting next week, hopefully frost free. No such problems for me. My “garden ” is an Easter gift from my daughter of three pots of herbs: basil, thyme and marjoram. Safely sowed and placed on a sunny window sill, I await the appearance of the shoots with great anticipation. Watch this space.

Intriguing development on the artificial lawn laying front. A huge, white sheet big enough to drive a schooner and wrapped around a tube has just been carried to the rear garden. What could that be for?

Late breaking news: Another schooner sail has arrived. Takes three guys to carry to the garden, where two colleagues, one a young lady, are still toiling. It becomes apparent now that the sheeting forms a barrier between the soil and the fake turf.

A guy in dark glasses walks past staring intently in my direction, uncertain if he knows me of not. I acknowledge him as he crashes into the conifer. Doves safe.

Another neighbour walks home with his son, as he does every day. Dad always checks as watch as they arrive on their drive - but not today. Perhaps, like me, he 's too intrigued by the turf wars.

In other news: Basketball training has resumed in a nearby garden; dog-walkers proliferate, getting no-where slowly between stops for a chat; engineer fixes automatic lock on communal door for the apartments; neighbour 's bike mended and cleaned, ditto car; for sale sign disappears from nearby house - was it sold and how much for?

Another update from previous bulletin: illicit relationship still flourishing; and the wine has arrived�