Just days ago winter definitely had us in its grip. There was snow and freezing temperatures. Yet today there is a mildness to the weather. There is sunshine and bees. We’re on the cusp of Spring.
Despite the hopeful change in the season things have not been so easy for us here. It’s been a week when normally I would not have posted. I like to keep my blog uplifting if I can but I’m co-hosting Making Winter Week and sometimes it helps to write things down.
To help ourselves through this tough time we’ve been cosying up, eating simple comfort foods and I got out my long-neglected watercolours. Eldest and I painted together. The activities we are finding reassuring are the same as those that help in the depths of winter. We’ve been very grateful for our fire and cosy quilts in recent days.
This morning things were getting a little easier and I drove to the next village to photograph the pussy willow (and unexpectedly captured a kestrel I didn’t even know was flying overhead). In just over three months a good friend will be coming from far away to stay right here. It’s a lovely thought.
On my way home I stopped to photograph some wintry knapweed seedheads and realised there was a lark singing.
Sometimes being outdoors can be better than chocolate.
Edited to add: Today’s taste of Spring has coincided with things getting a good deal better for us all. I’m off to celebrate with a play on the swings with the little ones.
If you’d like to share what you’ve been up to this week, another good friend is hosting here.
What luck- a lark & a kestrel as well as a day of promised warm temperatures…
I'm intrigued by your mystery visitor!
Dear Emma – I do hope all is ok.
The sun is shining here today and it's 'oh so' warm – it really uplifts the mood no end doesn't it.
I love your little vid by the way – we normally hear the seagulls squabbling, but then I know that can be just as romantic as bird song – sometimes.
Take care
Nina xxx
Loved the little video, it almost felt like summer. 🙂
Hope all's well Emma!
Vivienne x
Being outside is definitely better than chocolate and that's where I'm going right now.
A big hug and hope the days get easier very soon
Celia
xx
you always capture nature so beautifully and your sweet girl a sleep ;0)x…i so prefer a bit of rain as long as its a bit less chilly!…we've had a lot of rain here in Devon the last two days.
i love seeing the new shoots and blooms in the park, we even have some lovely pink roses there amongst the twigs. how lovely to have a dear friend come to stay in a few months. My dearest friends live on the east coast, my birth place…i miss them. enjoy your the rest of your week …it sure looks cosy by that fire ;0)
I hope the blue skies and spring sunshine bring some easier times for you. take care x
That second to last line is my favorite quote of the year…love it.
It's very foggy and drab here today, so your little bird video was just the pick-me-up that I needed. And your fireplace is beautiful!
I hope you are alright 🙁 Take care adn enjoy those walks x
I hope things continue to pick up. Lark song is so special – what a treat. Juliex
I think we have both feet in summer here … it's 18 degrees outside now if the thermometer and my over warm living are to be believed.
Sorry to see you've had a tough week, hopefully the sun shine will herald improvements all round.
Nothing like a bit of nature to lift one's spirits that's for sure. Bird song always seems to provide a promise in my heart, a new day, a new time to embrace. Today has been ever so warm on the coast, I even found myself wearing my birkenstocks as my feet were too warm in socks. Crazy contrasts of weather. Keep well and cosied up xoxPenelope
Better? Oh please. Tell me about the better.
Glad that things have improved and hope that they continue to do so Emma. You're right about being outdoors being better than chociolate – I dragged myself out for a 6km nordic walk on tuesday and have been on a high ever-since. It's so nice to see everything unfurling and awakening – there were loads of 7 spot ladybirds all over our garden today emerging from their winter nooks and crannies. Wishing you warm and happy days xxx
Hope today's sunshine has made your day abit brighter – amazing to think we've gone from -11 to 18 degrees today!
How wonderful to hear a lark singing, I love to hear them. I'm pleased things are better today. Sending you a big hug xx
We have three stinking hot days ahead of us – AGAIN I'm pining for your winter! Hope everything in your world is all as it should be, sweetheart.
No larks here, but nearly shirtsleeve weather – very confusing, but a great sign that Spring is on its way..
I'm sorry it has been a rough week but you seem to have found some lovely moments to enjoy in it too. :o) Sending you lots of love and positive thoughts. Lucy xxx
xoxoxoxoxoxo
thank you for the video – magical!
How wonderful! I'm definitely going to take part tomorrow.
I'm glad the clouds and cold have lifted. Thank you so much for posting the lark song – I've always wondered what they sounded like.
Here's to more flowers and warmer weather.
The weather was beautiful yesterday but I was stuck in work! 🙁 Anyhow, I am able to catch up with it from those who had the chance to take pics and let us know how their day went.
I am new to your blog and looking forward to an interesting read!
B x
isn't the weather just gorgeous? so uplifting… and since I've given chocolate up for lent… I better go out now and test your theory!
So looking forward to your enamelled jewllery. Lovely gentle blog – thanks.
I hope next week will be a better week for you and your family Emma!
Take care!
Much love,
Madelief x