Natural chandelier

I found some weeping willow branches that had been blown about in the wind and 

developed a coating of ice as they were repeatedly dipped in the pond. 

They looked wonderful in the sunshine. 

Winter is back

At least I managed to snap some snowflakes

Frogspawn

Despite being plunged back into winter by a bitter Easterly wind there are still signs of spring about. The pond is full of frogspawn and buds are beginning to open. 

Spring delayed...

…I really thought it was on the way. Damn. And I was so looking forward to seeing the start of the green world taking shape again, but it looks like we have to wait a short while longer. I saw a glimmer of Spring this week, the sun shone, the temperature soared and the birds took new interest in singing and collecting material for nest building.

Yet today the rain has returned, but it is not unwelcome, it had been dry for some time. The ground needs to be softened for our wonderful thrushes and blackbirds to collect worms to eat. And soon it will become colder again. But it cannot last long, the days are lengthening and any snow flurries will soon melt. 

Daffodils

Next week, I think next week spring will be here.

Wisteria seed pods

At this time of year the pods are clearly visible. The shells are very hard and woody. 

I brought a few inside and within an hour one had cracked and twisted open 

revealing a single seed. 

They have a purplish brown furry outside and are a wonderful shape and colour, very graphic. 

A friend gave me a Hoopoe feather. What a brilliant present.

Wall frieze ending

Just working up the last half panel of the Fine Feather Press ABC wall frieze. 

I"m looking forward to getting out and shooting some new material. 

I feel Spring is almost here now, next week it will all start.