Waiting For Spring

I don't doubt the feeling is much the same throughout the Northern Hemisphere, but here on Skye, where winter seems start in September and end about May, one can get a bit edgy when looking for signs that spring is round the corner. It's definitely a case of, 'are we nearly there yet?'

Yes - we have had drifts of snowdrops, which are now all over, and currently the early slightly tattered daffodils are putting up a brave fight against the wind and rain, while others remain in bud, hoping for a calmer period when they can delight us as they bob in the breeze. As for the birds - several feisty robins look like they have sorted out the pecking order around our feeders, and we are now left with what we take to be a mating pair. The local blackbirds are doing their best to serenade the morning dog-walk as they cling precariously to the upper twigs of the tallest local trees.

But closely inspect the trees and shrubs, and there is barely a glimpse of new leaf to be seen. The ground is very wet just now. It will be a while before I can don my wellies and take a fork to the allotment beds.

But we know that the weather changes quickly here. A few days of dry weather, sunshine and a dry breeze will have the soil in a fit state for turning.

...And then the grass will start growing, and it will be time to play the game of  'can I get the mower to start?'...

...And then the bluebells will all come out...

...And all the other wild flowers..

...And then all the visitors will begin to arrive...

Any lambs yet...???