Joys of Spring

Still no frogspawn in the pond despite 2 weeks of frenzied activity. Could they all be males?

I had a lovely walk in Delamere Forest today. Sunny and warm, birds singing and everyone I met was happy and cheerful. Lovely how a bit of sunshine cheers everyone up.

Masses of randy little ladybirds in the garden today!!!!! Every leaf and branch which I disturbed had an orgy happening!!!!! BUT our resident blackbird was looking very full and very happy!!!!!

Congrats. jeni - frog babies at last!

Annobel, in my teens I used to love walking by the canal in Marple. It felt as if we were really out in the country at the time because we lived in Manchester.

Here there has been a cold, thick sea mist all day. It's really chilly and set me off coughing as soon as I walked outside. I'm going to get some logs in and get a good fire going.

Lovely day to be cooped up in the CAB. Our bureau has a really lovely view of the hills beyond Marple. Next week we will be surrounded by daffodils. But... but... but... tree pollens have arrived on the scene and got into my throat, nose and eyes. Hazel is the main culprit at the moment but just wait for the birches!

Sunshine here. My frogs are like me. Very laid back, nothing urgent in life!

YAY, jeni! I guess the northern frog cousins had a word with yours.

Well, we didn't get the forecast sunshine this afternoon, although this morning was pleasant if cloudy. It's now pouring down but the Beeb weather says we are having light rain. Oh well, I suppose the frogs like it.

I HAVE FROGSPAWN [grin

jacey

Drove into the Weald this afternoon ...daffodils out (first I've seen this year), catkins,crocuses and either hawthorn or blackthorn covered in white flowers. The difference of being inside the North Downs ...not exposed on the windy side!! And we've had bright sunshine all day ...no coat or jacket needed. Wonderful!!

Well, butter I do live in droughtsville!

I'm always surprised that pots get so dry in the winter!
Bet they're a picture, Ariadne.

I have just been out and watered all the pots on the patio, because they were so dry! Couldn't bear the thought of all the miniature daffodils and tulips and croci dying too soon.

Back door wide open, heating right down -lovely. What isn't lovely is the fact that the dining end of the kitchen and the study are cleared - into the conservatory. Apart from the filing cabinet which is here in the sitting room. I think I told you that the rooms are being decorated while we are in South Africa, by our lovely neighbour who does a great job at a reasonable price. (DH not safe near a paintbrush...)

So it's all a bit overcrowded in here...Off to Cheltenham tomorrow for youngest GD's sixth birthday, so must finish the cake - but just another 5 minutes here...

butty, I have just been down to look and the frogspawn is at the stage where it has sunk a bit and the tadpole embryos are bigger than they were a week ago but nothing other than that discernible by the naked eye.

Now I'm going to change into an old gardening jumper and go out again with loppers and a saw to have a go at some more brambles and some rhododendron branches.

S'later, dudes.

whatsup - I adore pussy willow so will keep an eye out for some around here, and make sure I have a pair of trusty snippers in my pocket!

bagitha - at what stage are the frogspawn? I don't have any puddles/ponds around here so will have to enjoy them virtually!

The pussy willow is out. Saw a lovely tree of it on way to the shops. I love pussy willow. Makes me think of Easter.

And the has just started to come out through the mist. (Was a bit chilly on bike

This morning, for the first time this year,
The early sun below the clouds
Shone into my north-east facing bedroom.
Definitely spring!
Yesterday, in a bid to persuade someone
To leave some puddles alone –
Not try to drain them down our lane
(and wash away hard core while they're at it) –
Because they contain frogspawn.
I think... I hope... she has understood
"Let puddles live! They not only are doing no harm,
But are actually, in this case, life-enhancing."
At least, some opportunist frogs think so,
And so do I.

Ooh, that sounds a bit ouchie to me. Pleased I'm not a wood pigeon.

My wood pigeons try to have intercourse on topof the telegraph pole and occasionally the actual wires! Chinese ballet they are not

There's some wood pigeon raunchiness going on in the wood behind my house, too!

Wood pigeons are making whoopee on one of my trees! Quite embarrassing - I may have to avert my eyes.

Flighty bunch doves

You lucky thing! I haven't even got frogspawn! My cleaner has frogspawn! Why haven't I?

I love barn owls Mamie - except they will SPLAT over everything!