Freeze over, at last

Well that was a bit of a shock to have such arctic temperatures. Most people were house bound for about 2 weeks, maybe not stuck in the house but without transport due to treacherous driving conditions. A time to appreciate good neighbours to discuss the last time it was this cold & for how long. Although it was cold in 1985, it was nothing compared to 1956 when even the walnut trees split with the incredibly low temperatures. Ah oui !!! The main roads were fine down in the valley, but getting to them was a bit of an effort. Anyway it's over now &, I'm not sure if it's the relief of the cold having gone or just optimism on my part, but I would say that spring is in the air. The sun is so bright & clear this morning. The brave orchids have thrown open their leaves to store us some solar-energy ready to burst open their blooms in the coming months. The grape hyacinths are the first to come, so I shall wait eagerly for the first signs. The swallows will be here in just over a month, usually about 24th March. How easily spirits are raised....