Weather-wise, it feels as we have had little else other than rain, damp, fog and overall misery these past weeks, so when we get a nice day it gladdens the heart and soul and it sort of makes it all worth the wait. Crazy, I know, and there may only be one day before the return of the winter rains, but there is only one thing to do; get out and make the most of it. Talk about making hay whilst the sun shines! A watery, low sun it may be, and no hay at this time of year, but the frozen land is being prepared for the year ahead and there are very small signs that the season is progressing with the buds of some trees swelling and celandines and cowslips starting to form new shoots. An early walk in sub-zero temps was bracing to say the least, but resembling the classic Michelin man I was well protected, and before long I had worked up a bit of a sweat.

Minus 6c was a bit of a shock, but as you can see the sun was up and the sky was clear, and it wasn’t too long till the frost started to retreat. By the time we were on our afternoon walk it was positively balmy and a sweltering 2c…but not yet shorts and T-shirt weather!

The farmers have already started ploughing and preparing the soil, making beautiful symmetrical patterns over the fields. With the amount of water laying on the land I’m amazed that their tractors don’t get bogged down.

Have a good week and stay warm and dry wherever you are.

A bientot!