Sunday 9 January 2011

Wall to wall.




The temperature hovers around freezing. There is wall to wall sunshine and a deep blue sky. Unfortunately there is also wall to wall ice everywhere and the roads are lethal. The ice is so bad here at the moment that I have heard of at least two vehicles which have been parked up on hills and have slid down in spite of the hand brake being securely on. Even going out to the bird table is dangerous and a friend rang this morning to tell me not to go to the bird table in my carpet slippers as she had heard on the radio of a spate of broken wrists from people doing just that!

One thing about the sunshine though, it does cheer everywhere up. Tess follows it round the house, sitting in patches wherever they fall. Yesterday another friend gave me some daffodils (she knows how much I love them this time of the year). By this morning they are in full bloom in the warm room - and they do the heart good, as do the hyacinths which were a present from Santa. I suppose we love them all because they are a reminder of what is to come in the garden.

The helebores are out (Christmas roses). As usual they are pretty scruffy blooms although their pristine whiteness shines through and I love them.

There is a strong west wind blowing and as I spilt my morning coffee sitting up in bed this morning, I have changed the bedding and as I type this the farmer is pegging it out on the washing line to dry in the strong breeze.

today's aros: leave the fallen leaves to the North wind, he will tidy them up for you.

15 comments:

Country Girl said...

Oh, that sounds dangerous. You've reminded me that I need to get my laundry on the line, though!
Take care and I love your daffs.

Heather said...

Beautiful flowers Pat - so cheering and uplifting. My hellebores are always late and I find the scent of indoor hyacinths overpowering, though I love to see them. Do take care with all that ice about. This time last year my husband parked the car on a slope outside a friend's house - I put my foot onto the road to get out only to find we were still moving!

steven said...

weaver, my christmas cactus is flowering - always the first sign that things are changing. the sun is shining - also wall-to-wall - which is so awesome!!! happy day in the dale. steven

mrsnesbitt said...

Yes - same here Pat and i had a fall when I was leaving my MIL's this morning! The patio was lethal at home - the hens had their first experience of ice skating - bless.

Unknown said...

Sounds cold, but some how the cold is bearbale if the sun shines!
I'll be heading to Sheffield in February for a months work hoping the temperature picks up a bit L)

Pondside said...

We have a light sprinkle of snow this morning, but it will be gone in an hour.
Do be careful on that ice!

angryparsnip said...

How lovely the Hyacinths and their green stems look against the snowy landscape outside.

cheers, parsnip

Nancy Grossi ~ Churned In Cali ~ The Wife of a Dairyman said...

My little dog, Chloe also follows the sunshine around our house to lay in:) Beautiful bulbs!

Michael Farry said...

Great to see the Christmas roses this time of year. I always promise to put in more for next year but forget. Must do it this year.

Jo said...

Gorgeous photos to accompany beautiful description of your day!

So glad I stopped by your blog today...it cheered me to see the flowers and feel the bright sunshine through the windows, despite the icy conditions.

Many thanks to you.

Rusty said...

The trouble is with those bright sunny days at this time of year - it generally means very cold temperatures! Now, snow I can handle, but ice scares the beejebers out of me. Be extra careful - it may be hiding almost anywhere just now. 23 skidoo was not something for icy days. (Slight grin). ATB!

Hildred said...

Must go out and check the hellebores, - you fill me with hope!

The Weaver of Grass said...

Thanks for the comments - spring flowers obviously cheer us all up.

Golden West said...

Ah, daffodils - so hard to resist and so beautiful to behold!

BT said...

Such beautiful daffodils, how kind of your friend. I don't think our Christmas roses are out yet. They are lovely indeed.