Monday 29 March 2021

Spring

With the arrival of spring it now feels as if can finally begin to look forward with quiet optimism. More than ever, my thoughts have turned to long, sunny days spent outdoors, the importance of which hasn't been lost on any of us these last twelve months. Even better if these times are to be shared with loved ones again. I can't wait.

It's so uplifting to see signs of life everywhere. The hedgerows are beginning to bud, lambs are in the fields and in the woods the scent of wild garlic now fills the air. With some beautiful, sunny weather heading our way, we will definitely be going back to gather some later in the week. The taste of wild garlic pesto stirred through some freshly cooked pasta makes the perfect meal to me. Simple but delicious.




Last week, however, the woods were filled with daffodils. On any previous walks there I had noticed some green shoots among the trees but they hid themselves well and it wasn't until they had flowered that I realised just how many there were. They were throughout the woodland and looked just like a carpet of gold.


Since I last posted, I feel as though much of my time has been spent going backwards and forwards to work. This hasn't really been the case, of course, although I am relieved that my hours will be reduced slightly when I return after the spring break. This will be a positive shift for me and allow for some breathing space. A little more time to focus on home and family life, restore some consistency which has been lacking recently and enable some much needed balance.



And speaking of balance, I intend to spend the next two weeks relaxing, walking and making the most of (what I hope will be) some good weather. 

J. X




36 comments:

  1. Great photos as usual, I love the sheep and the third daffodil shot but my favourite is the last one. I hope the weather is kind to you and you have a good two weeks :)

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    1. Thanks, Eunice. I took the last photograph using wide angle. X

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  2. I am so looking forward to the light, the air, the blue skies, the wild garlic, the walking and the breathing of new views and paths - here is to moving forward xxxx Hope your new positive shift towards you is just what you needed 😊

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    1. The arrival of spring has much more meaning this year. Not quite new beginnings but it feels like a step forward. X

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  3. The weather has been beautiful today and will be until Good Friday! Like you I hope to make the most of it. The daffodils seem to be more prolific this year for some reason.

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    1. The daffodils are a welcome sight. We visited Dora's Field yesterday and it was wonderful to see them all in flower. X

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  4. The first sight of daffodils is such a high. We all need spring, new life, and hope.

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    1. It's lovely to see them swaying gently in the breeze. X

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  5. There's nothing like a zip wire to make it the perfect walk with children! The schools here don't finish till Thursday so we are still plodding on but can't wait till the weekend to get out for some nice walks a bit further afield than we have been. Enjoy your break.

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    1. It's hard to tell from the photograph but it's actually rope swing which is attached to the tree in the foreground :)
      I'm surprised you couldn't hear Lily's pleas of 'I want to go higher' down in Devon. She loves it. X

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  6. I hope we're sharing this glorious weather!
    Enjoy your break. xxx

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    1. Thanks Vix. We missed the best of the weather yesterday but fine and sunny works for me. X

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  7. I can feel my mood shift as soon as the clocks go forward and we get some longer days, even better when that coincides with some good weather. Enjoy the next two weeks, I hope the weather holds up for you.

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    1. I feel exactly the same, Jo. I always say that I can feel my whole body relax as the weather improves and the days become brighter. X

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    1. We enjoyed some warm sunshine yesterday. I hope it means you can get out with Priscilla more regularly. X

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  9. Enjoy your time away from work and it's lovely to have some warm, sunny days to enjoy and let's hope they last. I love to see all the daffodils in bloom too.

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    1. I hope we get the lovely warm weather we enjoyed last year. X

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  10. The Daffodil carpet is gorgeous. What a stunning sight to see when out on a walk. Enjoy your time off. :)

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    1. We visited Dora's Field yesterday. It's even more beautiful there. X

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  11. As usual, the area around you, is lovely. Especially with spring breaking out.

    Look at the way, she is "sprouting up." -smile-

    Enjoy the time off.

    Since you get Spring Break off, I take it, you work in the school system... Doubt anyone else, gets it off.

    Have a lovely time!

    Gentle hugs...

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    1. Thank you, BB. Lily is getting so tall now, she needs to mind not to drag her feet when she's on the rope swing. X

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  12. What a corker of a daffodil display! Sheep always look to me like they are plotting something. Hope you have a great break. Lulu x

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    1. The daffodils were beautiful and it was quite unexpected to see so many.
      I think you're probably right about the sheep :)

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  13. Such a beautiful post, Jules. Look at that perfect posture on the swing. I love the setting. You always sound so wise and spiritual.

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  14. "Quiet optimism" - well phrased, I think a lot of us have fingers quietly crossed that we might be able to move forward this year, and maintain that momentum.

    Have a lovely break, you both deserve it. xx

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    1. Thank you, Jayne. Aside from automatically reaching for my staff badge on Monday morning, I'm surprised at how readily I've relaxed into my time off. X

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  15. Beautiful photos as always, those daffodils look amazing, it does do you good to get out and about in warmer weather. Enjoy your break and have a lovely Easter. xx

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    1. Thank you, Linda. The sunny weather has made all the difference. Happy Easter. X

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  16. Beautiful photos! I can't get over the carpet of daffodils! Hope you have a lovely spring, Jules.

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  17. As others have also commented ... your photographs are lovely.
    My favourites are the sheep and all those daffodils, although the one with Lily in is good too.

    My good wishes.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Thank you, Jan. The sheep made me smile. X

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  18. A two week break in spring sounds heavenly. And I can see why you will enjoy spending a lot of it outdoors. Lovely snapshots, as always.

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    1. Thank you, Susanne. My two weeks off work have fortunately coincided with some beautiful spring weather. X

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