Winter

Does anyone feel like I do in the winter - totally unmotivated and in hibernation. Our winter was reasonable mild to begin with, but the last couple of months have been cold and wet and I have spent most of my days by the fire reading, crocheting and playing internet games. All of this is quite unlike me as I am a more outdoor type, but perhaps it's age - this winter I have curled up in front of the fire and hibernated.

I did get my roses pruned and was halfway through the hydrangeas when the wet weather set in and now it's so muddy and wet underfoot, that I can't get in to the garden without sinking up to my ankles. I haven't even done any photography - the flowers look miserable and the birds, like me are keeping out of the garden.

Now there ate a few signs that Spring might be on the way. The daffodils are blooming - so bright and cheerful that it makes me feel happier with my lot. My magnolias are starting to flower and the faithful old camellias just do their thing year after year.

Liz Needle