Today was grey and overcast but amazingly mild, even Dad who normally feels the slightest change in temp, was feeling warmer and much more active today. Hooray!
I was surprised to see the lady birds out adventuring under grey skies after a rainy night
and, due to some stylish, broken pot usage, these sempervivums, seem to be pouring out ...
as if to say ..."Hooray, spring is on its way." Certainly the weather is warm for this time of year and ... predicted to get even warmer yet. But ... this drought ridden, mainly arable area desperately needs much more rain if it is to survive the seasons ahead this year.
Also, the sheep and cattle farmers are already being hit badly by this new Schmallenberg virus, (thought to be spread by midges from Europe),It could, as lambing continues bring a full and devastating effect of this (as yet not scientifically understood pathogen) spreads. I think we have more sad news yet to come as farmers (already struggling) have a real battle on their hands with so few ways of protecting against it. As yet, unresearched in depth there is no vaccine to prevent it and no magical cure to reduce the huge numbers of flock infected by it. The sight of newborns with with such abnormal dreects is aweful!
So far my homeland seems to have escaped, but hill lambing isn't due yet. We shall see.
To end on a happier note ...
These wonderful, winter aconites have been blooming for weeks now.
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