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.
Thrifty Household says
What luck- a lark & a kestrel as well as a day of promised warm temperatures…
I'm intrigued by your mystery visitor!
Tabiboo says
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
greenrabbitdesigns says
Loved the little video, it almost felt like summer. 🙂
Hope all's well Emma!
Vivienne x
Magic Cochin says
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
Country Rabbit says
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)
driftwood says
I hope the blue skies and spring sunshine bring some easier times for you. take care x
zephyr says
That second to last line is my favorite quote of the year…love it.
Thimbleanna says
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!
Scented Sweetpeas says
I hope you are alright 🙁 Take care adn enjoy those walks x
Julie says
I hope things continue to pick up. Lark song is so special – what a treat. Juliex
Annie says
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.
Penelope says
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
The Coffee Lady says
Better? Oh please. Tell me about the better.
julie says
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
Su says
Hope today's sunshine has made your day abit brighter – amazing to think we've gone from -11 to 18 degrees today!
Julie says
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
Tania says
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.
Rachel says
No larks here, but nearly shirtsleeve weather – very confusing, but a great sign that Spring is on its way..
Locket Pocket says
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
Lynn says
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Freda says
thank you for the video – magical!
mrspao says
How wonderful! I'm definitely going to take part tomorrow.
Mrs. Micawber says
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.
Bev says
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
Monica says
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!
Adele says
So looking forward to your enamelled jewllery. Lovely gentle blog – thanks.
Madelief says
I hope next week will be a better week for you and your family Emma!
Take care!
Much love,
Madelief x