Spring - Bringing a Sea of Daffodils

Sshhh... I don't want Mother Nature to hear, but could spring be actually with us?  It's not official quite yet but the colours are beginning to give it away and the bird song has started that little bit earlier.  Nature is beginning to wake up once again and breathe in the warmer air.  Cheery, sunny faces are greeting us with happy surprises when we open our blinds and curtains in the mornings.  My eyes looked out of my kitchen window and there, a few inches above the sodden earth, were two perfectly formed trumpets swaying in the breeze.  Two hope giving flowers that were saying "yes, we've survived it".

The main sign came from two little words that make so much difference - High Pressure.  These two words have brought respite to this battered country.  The high winds have subsided and the gentle breeze now creates a more calming movement amongst the sea of daffodils.

My ears were alerted when I heard a report on the local news - "The daffodils have bloomed too early this year!"  Pardon?  How? We have just suffered the wettest winter on record, how on earth can these spring flowers be blooming?  But here they are... acres upon acres of daffodils, too far in bloom to pick for the shops.  Instead, just bringing beauty to the wet and dismal winter landscape.

As I drove down this tiny lane, I stopped the car to just marvel at the sight.  Around here the fields are full and this was just one lane of so many around this area that have perfect rows of different species.

Who needs a garden to tend to when you live in one of these properties?  Can you imagine the beautiful scenery from their windows during the spring months?

In my own garden the wildlife is slowly returning.  One of my furry bundles has been a frequent visitor to tidy up the dusty pollen around the hellabores.  How I have missed their business in the garden.

I'm so glad they look so healthy too with the sun shining off their wings!

This butterfly decided to have a well earned rest on my lap!  Once it had finished it decided to sit on my head for everyone's amusement.  A friendly chap indeed!

With the sun out and all things enjoying it, it was time to think about doing a spot of work and the seed packets were ready.

It wasn't long before the greenhouse was back in its productive mode again.  I can't wait to start seeing the shoots again.

Then it was time to see what else had decided to pop up and say hello.  The beautiful fresh green and white of the snowdrops.  I just love their green skirts.

The gorgeous pink blossom against the dark wood.  Some just had to made their way to my house flower arrangements!

The vibrant colours of the crocus always surprise me with their suddenness of making a show in the lawn.

And of course the start of many of a daisy chain!  My lawn has a daisy patch that I guard with all my might!

So, the bunting is now out...

... the house vases and containers are now full...

... the leaves are full of veins pumping with life...

... and the spade needs a new handle!!

It's time to leave this cosy room (for a few hours at least) and enjoy the stunning landscape and weather while it lasts.

So from my house to yours, some daffodils from the local market (no I don't pick from the fields! - even though I think they are missing a trick here by not doing a 'pick your own' stall)...

I hope the weather is being kind to you, but if you are still suffering with the awful winter, I hope this post has brightened your day with what is to come!

Thank you so much for your visits and also your comments that you leave on your busy days, they are so lovely to see.

Have a wonderful weekend and week - and here is another ray of sunshine for you...

Take care.

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This weekend I am sharing with:

Weekend Flowers

Saturday Show Off

Sundays in my City

Seasonal Sundays

Where My Heart Is...London (Part 3)

And so, here we are at Part 3 - London by foot!  A colour fest that shows London at its best.  We were so lucky to have such a perfect day to cram so much in and we fully intended to make the best of our time.  Our walk was going to take in as many things as we could as we made our way back to Green Park Tube Station.  Walking across Westminster Bridge and making our way through the crowds, patiently and happily,  stopping occasionally to capture another memory.

As we walked along all comfortable with our surroundings, I pointed out the very familiar  landmarks and the names of the streets.  A brief walk from the Houses of Parliament took us to Whitehall and the very poignant cenotaph. This mark of respect that graces our TV each November.

The memorial to the women of the war always makes me smile with the thoughts of my grandma donning her fire women's uniform during the evenings and working for a General by day.

A short walk and we approached a small crowd outside some high railings protecting the street. I can remember many years ago being able to chat to the policeman outside the famous front door and being able to have a picture taken. 

Yes, Downing Street is now a fortress that can only be photographed through railings. It is a shame but necessary in this day and age.

We walked a little more and a beautiful horse greeted us with its rider in bright red and sparkling polished metals. 

This is Horse Guards Parade. The Horse Guards are meant to be expressionless and full of authority. Protecting the honour and privilege of standing and riding to attention.

The girls enjoyed the open space and looking back at the London Eye.

We carried on walking a little more and took in the wonderful architecture above us.

The intricate carvings were making me stop at each building.

But Nelson was waiting to meet the girls.

My daughter was not going to climb up to hug the lions this time (mainly because I didn't have the strength to help her up today!).

The fountains were still and the water allowed the sky to reflect on it.

In part 2 I showed you a fleeting glimpse of a blue cockerel on the fourth plinth.  Well here he is from the ground (more info here).

Trafalgar Square has lots of street entertainers and today was no exception.  This crowd gathered after following the entertainers' sounds.

This shot was taken by Miss Teen with the perfect shadows...

An artist in so many colours...

Speaking to passers by showing his amazing colourful art.  His name is Tom Solarski but unfortunately there wasn't a website on his painting information.

Arnie was there along with Elvis...

... the more you looked, the more you saw.

As we carried on our walk to Green Park, under Admiralty Arch...

... and then a walk down the Mall.

We then walked past Clarence House with the Guards having a little chat to each other either side of the entrance.

The day was now drawing to a close as we walked past Buckingham Palace.

It had been a perfect day, London by river, air and foot.  The weather had been very kind and lots of memories had been made.  We were all EXTREMELY tired, but happy enough to continue through the park and then back onto the tube and the rail journey home.  

The City is so beautiful and I love and miss it as you know.  I now look out across the Fens in Lincolnshire, flat, green with the hint of yellow from the millions of daffodils that are all ready to be picked and think of the two parallels I live in.  The best of both worlds!

And so, the garden is calling!  Warm sunshine, a tidy greenhouse waiting desparately for me to give it some company... it would be rude not to!

Thank you all for such beautiful and kind comments on these posts.  It has been wonderful to share it all with you.  I will now get back on track to answering and visiting you in between sowing seeds and picking flowers for my spring home.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Take care.

You can also follow me on:

 

This week I am sharing with:

Sundays in my City
Our World Tuesday
Share Your Cup Thursday