Saturday 23 January 2016

If Winter comes.....

.....can Spring be far behind?
Well all the prophets of doom up here in the Yorkshire Dales will take delight in reminding you that one of the worst winters and falls of snow they ever had began on February 2nd.   But, without tempting fate, I prefer to think this show of aconites in my front garden, and the sudden rise in temperature over the last twenty four hours, at least heralds a warm spell, even if it doesn't last.

I am hoping it lasts until next week-end when the farmer and I are looking forward to meeting friends for lunch over the tops and down the other side in Ravenstonedale.   This involves going over the high part of the Pennines and, of course, it can be pleasant down here at 600feet asl, but up there it can be a very different story.

A friend and I were talking the other day about how awful it must be to live above the Arctic Circle, where it barely gets light at all between November and February.  I have only been up there at the other extreme - Midsummer Day - when it barely gets dark, and I wasn't sure I would like that.   I suppose it is what we are born to, or at least get used to.

In the meantime, I shall continue to enjoy this warmer week-end and the joy of seeing these aconites out of my sitting room window, particularly if I can, at the same time, sit with a cup of tea and a look at The Times Crossword.

21 comments:

donna baker said...

Sounds good Pat. Hopefully we'll have an early spring? Fingers crossed.

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

Oh, to see plants pushing up and almost blooming. That won't be for another three to four months for us. I love seeing them through your blog, though. -Jenn

Midmarsh John said...

The worst times we had deep snow here were around half term time - early to mid February. Also there do seem to be times we catch it in the UK not long after it hits the East coast of America.
Love your Winter Aconite display.

Mac n' Janet said...

I don't mind winter, but then we don't get snow and hardly ever any ice. As to your other topic, young people always have to move further away to find affordable housing, that's just a fact of life wherever you live. We all went through it.

mrsnesbitt said...

Our decorator is a gem Pat - Peter Chapman is his name and he is based in Guisborough. He is such a joy to have in the home.

Heather said...

You have the right idea Pat. The aconites are so lovely - a front garden near us has a huge circle of them round a small tree. I am so envious as I haven't been able to grow them. Must try again.
Three days ago we had severe frost and minus 5 degrees. Today is mild and springlike. Like you I shall enjoy today and hopefully take whatever comes next in my stride. But if it's icy paths I shall not be striding anywhere!

Simon Douglas Thompson said...

Friary road park here is the place for Aconite, will post some pics when they are really going!

Maria said...

True, it's what we are born to or we get used to, but then on the other hand, our body is a beautiful machine and adapts to different environments and climates. Greetings Maria x

Doc said...

I was telling the wife that Monday will be dry and sunny, a good day to prune our large flowering cherry in the front garden. After reading your post I noticed our Aconites are just popping out under the cherry so the pruning will be postponed.

Pondside said...

Buds and bulbs popping out all over in these parts. We are at 9C today and that is a fine temperature for dog-walking and beach-roaming.
In the 80's we lived in northern Alberta where, in the winter, the sun didn't rise until after 0900 and was setting by 1500. Of course, in June we had 20 hours of daylight!

Elizabeth said...

What pretty aconites!
Well, after no snow at all.....we are now having a BLIZZARD!
Mandatory ban on driving etc etc!

Yes, I think we do get used to what we grew up with.
Not sure I could cope with Finland!

Wilma said...

My brother in the mountains of North Carolina is on the receiving end of Winter Storm Jonas. He has 14 inches of snow with more on the way through tomorrow afternoon. Your aconites are lovely. Hope the weather is good for your travel plans.

Wilma said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Joanne Noragon said...

We'll be rising to the mid forties by Monday. Hallelujah. I looked at the accumulations on the east coast and am happy not to be there. I wonder where our president is today. If he's in DC, he's among the deepest of the snow.

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

Like they used to say on the farm
"When Jannery's teasin'
Feberry's freezin'"

Cro Magnon said...

I'm sure I read somewhere recently that a village in S Wales had 81 days consecutive rainfall. It makes me think I'm in the tropics!

Coppa's girl said...

I love the photo of the aconites - it's so much more cheerful, with it's promise of Spring, than the River Ure in flood.
We've been reasonably lucky this winter and it's only now starting to get cold during the day, though we have had cold nights for a while. February is usually our coldest and wettest month, but we could do with the rain - it's been so long since we've had an appreciable downpour. I know - "they" say be careful what you wish for !

The Weaver of Grass said...

Not sure I care for John;s weather prediction!

Dartford Warbler said...

A lovely portent of spring to see aconites in your garden.

Our first crocus flowered yesterday.

I hope that the weather allows you to drive over the tops to meet your friends.

Rachel Phillips said...

February is always considered the worst month of winter here on Norfolk farms.

Toni said...

Your blog is such a pleasant place to visit. I've really enjoyed reading your posts. I will definitely return.