Good morning Mick and everyone from a still dark Carlisle where it looks rather damp outside.
And Happy New Year to all of you. A special thank you to you Mick for starting another year off for us once again.
I saw the New Year in but not for the best of reasons! I went to bed at my usual time but was woken just before midnight by indigestion. I went down for a glass of milk and then put the radio on to hear Big Ben chime in 2024. There were a few fireworks outside in the distance and that was it round here. Fortunately we don't seem to go in for wild party-ing hereabouts but I expect it was an entirely different scene down in Carlisle's Botchergate!
Yesterday morning was pleasantly mild and sunny so I went out and planted my 2 heathers. Not the quick and easy job you might think as I've heavy clay a few inches down so I needed to excavate and mix in a lot of ericaceous compost.
I have flowers...crocus, snowdrops, violas, primroses and my lovely viburnum bush which has been in flower for weeks now. This is the time of year when I feel spring is on the way...the triumph of hope over experience!
Today will be quiet, gentle pottering about and a lot of reading. I have started two new books, one fiction and one non, a newly published tome by Rory Stewart. It will be interesting to read his take on his parliamentary experience.
It is a great photo Mizuna, a clever photographer there.
I hope this year will be kind to all of us, best wishes to you, everyone.