It was 1st April but I was alone, no possibility of a prank, so I thought. Then I realized I was not alone after all. I heard movement.

I turned from the desk where I had been working. I walked through to the hall and glanced into the kitchen, then the dining room. All was calm. The movement was coming from the lounge. I crept slowly into the room and was distracted by the noise at the window.

Somehow an enormous Bumble Bee had found its way inside. Perhaps it arrived down the chimney. Maybe the front door when I was not looking. I approached it and admired it struggling to break through the enclosed center window pane. It could not escape. I opened the side window on the right and the side window on the left but the draught of cool air had little effect on the insect. It was aware of my presence. Its defenses were up.

But I knew that if it stung me it would die. I found a brass bowl and approached with a card to trap the bumble bee and free it. It''s droning hum got louder. My first attempt made it even angrier. My second attempt brought sudden darkness to its life. But I was able to lead it to the open window. Then I released the card and the Bumble Bee flew away in an erratic flight.

I dare say we have at one time or other in our lives experienced a similar happening. It''s not that unusual.

But it did announce to me. Spring had arrived.