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0715/1722

Some early childhood memories from "the old fields":
Hedges of Hawthorn and Blackthorn, grasses taller than me, the family digging for Pignuts, my brother chasing and studying butterflies while I collected flowers to press or make into photograms in Dad's wardrobe-darkroom.

I was so happy then. I had far less to worry about than I do now - but all those things still make me feel happy.

Today I spotted the first few Blackthorn flowers of the year. Tonight I drink my last little bit of Sloe Gin :)

0737/1700

At last we've had some snow! Which is only fair, I think, after the bitterly cold winds these last few weeks.

I went for a walk around my local nature reserve this morning. In between the whiteness and the withered fruits which still hang on the branches, I spied a few signs of new life. Not confused flowers or Winter plants this time - but green leaves on the Elder and the Hawthorn.

We may get more snow yet, and it's still too dark in the evenings for allotmenteering or foraging, but I'm ready. I've had enough of the numb fingers and toes now. Come on Spring!