Some weeks back, the buds on the creeper on my terrace were about to open when a cold spell struck. Although it lasted only a week or so, the buds stayed put for a few more weeks. Conservative to boot, they froze without freezing. About a week ago, the buds started opening at last. At least a dozen of them have produced delicate little leaves by now. But the first buds to open are safely ensconced in the least-exposed parts of the terrace. Now, this is hardly surprising, even though it is almost certain that no-one knows exactly how the creeper “knows” about such things as inclement weather. Nonetheless, it is amazing, if not also delightful, that the creeper somehow does know when and where to venture forth. And it is thus a real joy to discover that this is indeed so. “Brother,” I can imagine myself stroking the able creeper ever so gently, “congratulations!”