Sunshine On My Shoulders

 

Such a beautiful morning here! Although barely above freezing at 6.30 a.m, less than two hours later the garden thermometer is nudging 10 degrees C and the Sun is a gem of warmth in a clear blue sky. I reckon Spring is here. It’s the Spring Equinox next Thursday - I shall be celebrating in my own witchy way - and there are plenty of buds appearing on the trees and shrubs around the garden. The rosemary, in particular, is looking a very fine and handsome lady indeed:

Here is the view from the top of our garden, across the field at the back:

I take Nell for walks around here sometimes, but not of late because although it looks very smooth and dry, it is, in fact, boggy and lumpy. Like rice pudding. 🤢 Give it a few dry weeks, though, and it’ll be good walking ground again.

Nell continues to show excellent recall when off-lead away from home. We’ve been going for walks along the canals that are situated just beyond the back fields. A two minute drive to park in our village hall car park, then a ten minute walk up the lanes and we are at a canal bridge where we can drop down onto the tow paths which run for miles and miles alongside the Shropshire Union Canal. 

It’s a good walk as there are several bridges and lock gates where you can change direction or stop off at one of the villages. Nell hasn’t been in the canal - yet - although she came close yesterday on account of a couple of geese having a high old bathing time and I swear Nell thought she’d quite like to join in. I have warned her that a canal immersion would require a full on shampoo wash and blow dry on our return home.

Back home, the tallest tree in the garden is being the last, as usual, to show any signs of leaf-bud life. It’s an aspen and when in full leaf it plays the most beautiful music in a soft breeze. Nell calls it ‘the squirrel tree’ and will spend ages with her front feet stretched up its trunk seeking out the elusive squirrels who think they can run around in HER garden, cheeky things! 

It houses a chair hammock and has an excellent raised tussock its base which is good for perching on, the trunk making a fine and broad back rest. The enormous roots spread out underneath the large vegetable bed and cause me gardening issues. I may need to rethink the veg garden layout because of this. 

Yesterday, I discovered that eating a lot of raw spinach leaves makes my teeth feel squeaky. I don’t know why. Today, I plan to visit a Makers’ Market and buy myself something beautiful and frivolous. You know, in celebration of it being Springtime. 

All is well.