Sounds lovely and you're describing a very English reaction to the first signs of summer.

Thank you, and so true! I think I reacted so strongly because all this had been preceded by three weeks in Australia, where, although it was autumn, it was very warm, and people were very much still living their lives outdoors (as is the case in much of Australia for the bulk of the year).

Meanwhile, the first signs of summer here have me scurrying indoors and staying there as much as is humanly possible!

I don't blame you!