Prankster.

By the time we've parked the car the sun has risen and taken the chill out of the early morning air. Down by the river bank Wilf is in his element. He scampers backwards and forwards from tree to bush, from bench to tuft, from sign to post. All are deemed worthy of leisurely examination and christening. A library of information to be recorded and stored away until it can be re-examined during his pre-lunch Sunday morning doze .

Today is a good day. He's had a few bad episodes over the last week but this morning he's back to being our carefree, fun loving, family prankster. After fifteen minutes, worried that he's going to tire himself out, I turn to go back . Wilf has different ideas. He stands, four square in the middle of the path, staring resolutely ahead and making it absolutely plain that he wants to carry on. His 'life is for living' look. We carry on.

These days are as joyous as they are unexpected. The extra weeks have given us a chance to see and enjoy the world from his perspective. Walks don't need to be hurried, ditches are always more interesting than the sidewalk, mud is to be welcomed not avoided and spaghetti bolognaise and coconut ice cream , preferably mixed together in the same bowl, make the perfect meal. The priceless luxury of knowing that there won't be much left unsaid when the final full stop appears at the end of the chapter. For the time being we rejoice in the happy,'extra day' miracles. There comes a time when bittersweet segues naturally into being just plain sweet.

On our way home we stop off for the statutory cofee, croissant, bowl of water and hair tousling.Wilf beams as he meets his extended pack. The three lady professors from Ohio are coming for lunch today so a call into the wine merchants for six bottles of the new season Beaujolais. The bright summery labels shout out ' drink me now '. Then home for Wilfs first contented doze of the day.