Snowdrops and the promise of Spring

A bright January sky
A bright January sky

Today, I rejoined the human race.  For the first time since before Christmas, I got up, got dressed, looked out of the window – and wanted to be out there, in the bright and frosty sunlight.  Malcolm’s recovery is a good day or two behind mine, but I hope that he too is on the way up.

An early morning frozen pond
The first snowdrops
Frosty thistles
The promise of daffodils
Eleven o’clock shadow
Blue sky January
The sky reflected in the River Ure
Frosted leaves
Those Jacob sheep supervise me home every single walk.

I wasn’t up to a hike.  I wasn’t even up to a stroll to the village shop, only a mile and a half away in West Tanfield.  But I was up to a riverside amble, particularly when it meant coming upon little clumps of snowdrops on the woodland floor, already unsheathing their white faces to greet the winter sun.

Snowdrops push above the leaf mould
Snowdrops push above the leaf mould

If the snowdrops are out and about, truly, all’s right with the world.

 

 

Author: margaret21

I'm retired and live in North Yorkshire, where I walk , write, volunteer and travel as often as I can.

15 thoughts on “Snowdrops and the promise of Spring”

  1. I’m so glad to hear that you’re up and (at least sort of) about! But it’s odd to hear you talk of snowdrops and frost when we’re sweltering in tee shirts and shorts over tea on the terrace … what a shame you had to miss it!

    Like

    1. Well, that’s odd, ‘cos I hear that the Pays d’Olmes is pretty sparkly with frost just now too. And honestly, that’s what winter’s for: I do prefer it, and on the whole we haven’t had much frost here this winter. And you know me and my snowdrops and daffs. It’s why I had to come back here.

      Like

      1. Ah, but I’m in the other PO at the moment, where we had the warmest 3 January yesterday since 1875 (20.6°C, in the shade – our sunny terrace registered 31°) … We’ll never agree on this one (and why should we 😉 ), but I reckon THAT’S what winter’s for!

        Like

      2. Give me 4 distinct seasons, each with their own charms and downsides……… 31 is as hot as I need in midsummer, thanks. Lucky we’re both suited where we are!

        Like

  2. So glad you’ve turned the corner and are out and about once more. And thanks for sharing the beauties around you, snowdrops which I love and sturdy daffodil spikes at the ready, plus frost patterns in the thistles. Not forgetting (how could you) those beautiful Jacob sheep! Hope Malcolm’s turn for recovery comes soon.

    Like

    1. Oh, seeing those snowdrops thrusting their little heads through the leafmould is always such a positive moment, full of so much promise! Thanks for your good wishes…. Malcolm’s turn is on its way, I think. Keep healthy yourself!

      Like

  3. Glad to hear you’re mending. No sign of snowdrops in my garden here in E Sussex. I’m with you on the seasons issue; it was on the whole (with the exception of spectacular tropical storms) very boring weatherwise in Penang. And the “children” loved to come back here in winter and see naked trees.

    Like

    1. Oh yes, naked trees are my favourite (apart from newly leafing ones in Spring, fully fledged ones in Summer, and the wonderful colours of Autumn…..). Sorry you’re snowdrop-less. They’ll be along any day now, I’m sure

      Like

  4. So pleased to read that you’re on the mend – it’s quite horrible having flu over the Christmas period. Love the hope-filled snowdrops photo. Just had a quick look here in the garden in Norfolk and no sign of anything new and interesting yet – all rather grey, wet and rotting this morning.

    Like

    1. This is so strange: East Sussex gardens are apparently innocent of snowdrops too. I don’t see why Yorkshire should be ahead of the game. Thanks for your good wishes, and I wish you all good things for for 2015.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Oh, good! You’re feeling well enough to get outside–that has to be the best sign that you’re on your way back to the land of the living! And your land is living–I am shocked, and envious, that you’re seeing any growth at all. Don’t overdo your rambles!

    Like

  6. We’ve got lots of bulbs poking up but haven’t seen any snow drops yet. Mind you we’re not really the right landscape here. Glad you’re on the mend though.

    Like

    1. What is it with everyone outside Yorkshire? I can’t believe we’re the only favoured county in the snowdrop stakes. Yup, slowly onwards and upwards in the health dept. Hope you don’t succumb.

      Like

  7. so glad you could get outside again, gives me the pleasure back to admire your lovely pictures, snowdrops, daffodills pointing out….all those wonderful “promesses” of future spring colours – thanks Margaret and my best wishes to Malcolm, annaxx

    Like

Comments are closed.