Oh, at last!

March 24, 2015 by annarashbrook 4 Comments

Spring’s arrived in Madling. I can only heave a deep sigh of relief. It’s been an odd, snow poor winter, with illnesses, depression and the only highlight has been Christmas in the UK….oh and you know who arriving!!!!

Life with puppy means that I get to hear the dawn chorus as I let her out. As I walk along the lane, I’m spotting all the new growth and life. The Lungwort, one of my favourite flowers is on its way.

In the last week, I’ve heard the thrush beginning to sing- there was one singing all spring in our garden last year, I hope it’s back. The swallows have arrived  at the brick factory. The dippers are shouting along the river edge. Paggy’s Bullfinches are visiting the table. Chaffinches are singing continually and the Great tits following me as we walk along the lane. I even saw some fieldfares this morning- a group was here last winter feasting on the huge crop of mountain ash berries and stayed for this poorer winter.

The first wild crocuses appeared overnight along the lane. Butterflies are feasting on the violets on the south side of the flat The cow parsley is green and vibrant and of course the nettles are coming through.

The Pussy willows are opening their buds, ready to be cut for Easter. This Sunday is Palm Sunday where small bundles of them and colourful bits and pieces  are tied to sticks and blessed in Church, paraded around and then often planted in the garden.

Oh, and soon the snow will be gone, the meadow outside our window will be heavenly scented.

At last.