I have just been for a walk.

It was a wee stroll around the estate just to see what was happening. I learned a couple of things.

The first thing I learned is that it’s windy out there – a Northern blast that would go through you for a shortcut – it’s fucking freezing..

I also learned that maybe it’s not the best idea to go wandering through long wet grass wearing slippers, especially with the quantity of dog shit lying around. For the size of her, Penny produces phenomenal quantities of poo.

The lake is full. This is just an indication of the amount of rain we’re getting.

The Robin is happily feeding on the seeds I just put out for him.

I paid particular attention to the ground under the canopy of the Weeping Birch. Sure enough, I found what I was looking for. I had to search hard but once I had found one little patch, I realised that I was surrounded by them – the little stiff green pointy shoots of Snowdrops.

It mat be fucking cold and grey out there, but Spring is on its way.

You have no idea how happy I am to see those shoots.