Spex is the bravest of the current fox crew. He's the only one who will.come close to the window, or approach when we put snacks out. (And he's extra brave when Peanut is watching him from the shadows.) He's looking smug with his tail aloft because he's been running around and flirting madly with P.

This is Spex. He's a relative newcomer, showing up in the autumn last year. He immediately began courting Princess Peanut. (She's Piper's sister) And we see them together at least a couple of times a week. Recently he's been sticking very close to her.

This is Piper. She's a regular at the windowsill buffet. She's been paired up with a big lad of a dog fox, hanging out, grooming, and dancing...But vixens seek extra opportunities during their three days oestrus each year. And there a few handsome boys who now know she's very keen to get acquainted.

Last night I woke up to the sound of a vixen yelling. Blimey, I thought, it sounds like she's right outside the window. Because she was. Casually chomping peanuts while trilling and foghorn-loud shouting for a mate.

Fossicking about in the neglected corners of my perfume hoard: the heliotrope, honey and myrrh of Osang. On a dark January day it's the shimmering gold of mosaic underwater, and a drift of incense. (I used to tell stories about scents. Memories not notes. This perfume is full of Venice.)