Winter – spring – winter: we have been sorely teased over the past weeks, though it’s true that February may often prove contrary, breaking out in fleeting intervals of unexpected warmth. This year, after hard-frost beginnings, we had several days of sudden spring, and he who is old enough to be more weather-wise started casting clouts and layers with abandon. Too soon, I told him. Winter’s not done. And besides, March can be cruel. Hang on, good sir, to fleecy vests and quilted combinations.
And so here we are, the first days of the new month with much sky-gloom and creeping dankness, again the pressing need for woolly gloves and hats, and that’s just indoors. I joke. Well almost. But in spite of the cold, there are signs of spring: the blackbird singing its heart out just now in the Station Road holly tree, doves on the church tower in close-canoodling-cooing huddles, daffodils fast opening. Reasons to be cheerful. Absolutely!
Tish Farrell 
That first picture is almost a mosaic all by itself. Gorgeous!
Thank you. Through the bedroom roof-light 🙂
We haven’t had snow since last weekend. Some of the daffs are blooming, their petals seemingly translucent. A result of the freeze? Perhaps.
That’s an intriguing image, Thom: chilled to translucency. I bet you could do something with that as a prompt.
Hmmm?
Can’t beat a bit of canoodling and cooing 🙂 🙂
There is indeed a lot to be said for it, Jo, though perhaps not forty feet up a tower frontage. But then again…
Perhaps I’ll stick with the electric blanket, Tish 🙂 🙂
Safer, methinks 🙂
Our Daffs are well out but the Snowdrops are lagging behind. And the first Celandine are a welcome sight in the lane. Blackthorn is out in sheltered spots but black and bleak in others. Raven are nesting in the hilltop pines and Robin in the Ivy covering the churchyard wall. Hey Ho ‘tis Spring!
That all sounds very ‘get-up-and-go’, Clive. Thank you for this spring ‘postcard’ from your neck of the woods.
For a few days I got a bit excited. First butterflies sighted, tick, garden tidied, tick, flowers starting to bloom, tick, now it’s cold, grey and foggy. Got to love the English spring.
It did very much seem that proper spring had arrived, didn’t it. T’is pretty dismal in Shropshire today – shivery peripheries.
A beautiful set of changing season photos, Tish. Love the first image especially.
Thanks, Amy.
I am only glad that February wasn’t as wet as it was last year. And the days are growing longer now, though today was so dull and gloomy it felt like we’d slipped back into winter. Lovely photos of your February. Let’s hope the sun soon returns.
The longer days are indeed welcome. And we did have a good moon the other day (and night), but yes – bring back the sun!
Wonderful signs of spring. Our weather is still summery, but it’s darker in the mornings when I get up ☹️
Am not liking the news of your earthquake and repercussions. Thinking of you across the world.
Thank you Tish. I slept through the fist quake, and although we’re really close to the sea here it’s at the upper reaches of the harbour so we weren’t at risk. I did spend the day sorting our emergency kit though, and making sure the boy-child and his flatmates have an emergency plan. Looks like no casualties and very little damage, so huge relief all round.
Thanks so much for letting me know, Su. Good to hear you’re all OK.
Thanks Tish.
Ah, spring. We’re even seeing signs of spring here, although nothing to do with wetness or daffodils, although I have cut daffodils and a really cool daffodil bulb in a vase where you can see all the roots. I love seeing your spring flowers because they don’t grow here. Contrary to Su, our days are getting longer every day and I love that, although I keep waking up earlier and earlier. 🙂
janet
Ah yes, the lighter mornings. I need to persuade myself to put them to better use than lying in bed 🙂
Spring is absolutely beautiful! 🌸
All batteries on recharge!
Your photos all look very sparkly and hopeful, Tish.
Also, I want to thank you for your planting suggestions. They worked a treat. We also put some copper tape on the rim of the garden bed. This kept all the slugs and snails out.
Am so glad you’ve had some growing successes, Tracy – and are fending off the gobblers. Brilliant!
Apart from the human cobblers. 😊
Gobblers
Delightful photos sun, snow and emerging bulbs. The gradual turning of the seasons. I think I remember the old saying “ ner cast a clout till May is out”… could be true
Definitely need to hang on to those clouds, Pauline. Possibly till June, if last year was anything to go by.
Beautiful images!
Thank you, Robin.
I’d show you photos of all the snow we’ve had, but well, you know how it is?
😉
Hang on in there, Miss T … spring proper is just around the corner.
I think you described it perfectly, Ark. We know it’s there – just round that corner, but it keeps thumbing its nose at us.
Fear not, the Big Thaw is on it’s way …. and when it arrives … hoo boy!
Better get my nut store sorted double-quick then. Thanks for the tip-off 😉
We’re shivering here in Ealing too, after being teased last week with properly spring-like warmth. But the daffodils are out and blossom starting to appear 🙂 I love your photos – the ice on the window is effective but my favourite is the lone cloud above a field!
I liked that lone cloud too. A little mysterious I thought.
Beautiful!
Thanks, Jennie
You’re welcome, Tish.
you’ve captured the month perfectly