Signs of Spring

Signs of Spring, hazelnut catkins

We are en vacances, or on holiday, as today is day one of Ed’s two-week school holiday, les vacances d’hiver, or the winter holidays. However, as we are the last of the zones in France to break up, it is no surprise that there is more than a hint of spring in the air and I couldn’t be happier. Ed, who spent last week away on a school trip to London, is home, and although I enjoyed my lie-in this morning as there was no school run to do, my diary seems to be filling up with taxi requests for cinema, pizza and laser quest outings.

The sun has been generous for February, enabling me to open the windows and hang my washing out to dry, although sadly today wasn’t quite as nice as last week. I’m sure the warm, sunny air has given me extra energy as I felt the need to spring-clean my bedroom and even had a good sort out of my bookcases.

Signs of Spring, first goose egg of the year

The hazelnut trees are dripping in catkins, the first violets have flowered in our lawn, and the bees are busy visiting them. The cranes have flown overhead; making their way from North Africa to Eastern Europe and Brucie our goose has laid her first egg. With so many signs, I can’t help but get excited that winter is almost behind us once again and summer isn’t too far away.

Signs of Spring, the last of the winter squash has been roasted

All around the village for the last three or four days the chugging sound of rotivators ploughing vegetable gardens has been heard, and those (not me) who are organised have sown their peas, shallots and onions. I know it’s time to start thinking about sowing my summer vegetable seeds, not least because I’ve just roasted the last squash that I harvested in autumn and stored carefully for use over winter.

Signs of Spring, baby goats

Oh, and my friend who has a goat farm, had lots of baby goats born over the weekend, so I couldn't help but share these very newly born Spring babies and their Mums.

Signs of Spring, twin baby goats

I hope your weather is good, wherever in the world you are. This post has been linked to Paulita’s Dreaming About France blog link up. Click here to read more.