Nearly the longest day already!

It seems odd that the longest day is next weekend, then it starts to get shorter again! You would think by now I would be used to this cycle, but spring seems to get shorter every year 😞. 

One consolation is that the shortest day will be here soon enough!   Every time of year is good.

Coffee in the garden

 

For the first time this spring we enjoyed coffee in the garden in the warm sun. The photo shows the view from the garden seat.

Spring colour

In the autumn we put in winter flowering primroses to give a splash of colour under our front windows. 

All are now in flower and they look very colourful.

They will be replaced by summer bedding plants later. 

Probably not visible are the weeds. I cleared them all about 2 weeks ago - honest!

The light

Winter merges into spring and the evenings gradually get lighter in the UK. 

I think it is the light you notice most. Also the birds sing to establish territory and to find a mate. 

These next few months are my favourite ones. The world has new hope and new starts as it has done for millions of years. 

Later in the spring I look out for returning, screaming, swifts after their long flights back from Africa.

More like spring

We are still in winter yet it feels more like spring is coming. 

The evenings are lighter and the weather today has been mild with some sun.

You want cheering up?

 

This was found earlier. After all this dull and wet weather in the UK we need cheering up!!

Signs of spring - NOT amateur radio

Although it soon goes there are now clear signs of spring all around. I was able to enjoy a beer outside with my son for the second time in the garden. We can enjoy spring and new life whilst it is here.

Spring here? - NOT amateur radio

After what has seemed like a long, cold, dull winter, today feels warm and sunny. Certainly there were lots of spring flowers out in Cambridge.

Quiet village lane - NOT amateur radio

 

This is a quiet lane in our village. With blossom and daffodils there are plenty of signs of spring.

Signs of spring - NOT amateur radio

 

There are definite signs of spring in our village. 

All the snowdrops have been replaced with yellow daffodils.

New life - NOT amateur radio

After what has seemed a long, dull winter there are signs of spring and new life. There are lots of daffodils, nest building and fresh green leaves appearing,

Spring light - NOT amateur radio

We have moved from meteorological winter into spring. It is good to see signs of new life emerging and birds signing for mates.

I guess it is the light we notice. The sun is higher in the sky and everything looks brighter. I expect painters notice this.

Spring - NOT amateur radio

Tomorrow is the first day of meteorological spring. 

I always look forward to the first swallows returning from Africa on migration. They usually arrive here in mid April, although they are a bit earlier in Devon.  Swifts, that we see more of, arrive about mid-May. These are often heard screaming before being seen.

The first to arrive in Devon are the sand martins, which usually are seen in Devon mid March. I recall my dad telling me when he first saw some on his golf course.

See https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/sand-martin .

Promise - NOT amateur radio

We are coming to the end of winter and there is a hint of spring: days are getting longer, snowdrops are out and the daffodils are not far behind. 

Almost spring - NOT amateur radio

 

After what has seemed like a long, wet and dull winter, today felt more like spring. 

For the first time in months it felt mild outside so much so that I pruned my roses. Every year they grow well for a hard prune early in the year. Opinions vary about when and what to do, but I shall stick with what works.

We have had no snow, but several frosts. It is also wetter than I remember. I am sure we have not done with winter yet, but at least there is a hint of spring.

Lighter evenings - NOT amateur radio

Every season has good and bad points. However, I look forward to lighter evenings and spring . Birds sing for mates or to claim territory.

Spring flowers - NOT amateur radio

It is great to see the spring flowers. If I am honest, this is my favourite season, although every season has good points.

Spring is coming - NOT amateur radio

 

Trees are coming into leaf. It felt much warmer today on our walk around the village. It is windier.

Is spring ever coming? - NOT amateur radio

It seems to have been having a long, dark and very wet period that has been going on for months. It is now very windy too. Hopefully spring will come ...... sometime!

It is very odd. Many things are early, yet spring seems late. Usually by now we have some good, settled weather. Not so this year.

Spring collage - NOT amateur radio

 

The photo was recently posted by a friend on 365project. It certainly captures springtime.