Thursday 31 March 2011

Out like a lion!

March crept in gently with warm, sunny weather and a sneaking hint that Spring was on its way. True to the old adage it is going out like a lion as today is gusty and rainy. It is almost always true that old saying about March - "In like a lion and out like a lamb and vice versa.) However, the temperature is quite high and I am keeping a sharp eye on the marsh marigolds in the beck - they are heavily in bud and the first one to burst into bloom is always on the same plant at the foot of an alder tree. That first burst of pure gold heralds Spring for me. After that Winter has no chance against all the burgeoning plants.

Speaking of plants - trees actually - I read yesterday that the first trees to appear up here were probably Birch, followed by hazel, pine, elm, oak and alder.
Sadly all the elm trees - the quintessentially English tree - have perished, victims of the deadly Dutch Elm beetle. Here on the farm there are a lot of alders and they are lovely - beautiful shape in Winter, lovely red catkins in early Spring and then marvellous when in leaf.

We ate the spelt bread at tea time yesterday - it was delicious although I shall put alittle less honey in it next time as it was rather too sweet for my taste. One of my readers said in the comments that she had a recipe for bread raised with beer - I might try that one day when I feel a burst of enthusiasm coming on. But the mention of beer reminded me of an old Yorkshire rhyme. To non-Yorkshire readers it might be a bit hard to translate - but you should get the general idea:-

This verse is to be said when a man is sitting with a glass of beer in front of him and he is about to drink it:-

Oft times tha's made mi pawn mi clothes,
Oft times tha's made mi friends mi foes,
But now tha's here afore mi nose,
Up tha pops and down tha goes!

Have a nice day.

14 comments:

steven said...

my great grandfather was a miner and his wife used to wait at the gates with their children on payday to relieve him of his money before it was turned into the tasty stuff that pops up and goes down so well!!! a lovely little verse weaver. steven

mrsnesbitt said...

Aye lass tis blowing a gale here too!

MorningAJ said...

I've not heard that little ditty before. My lot were all temperence though. Even the mention of booze was frowned on.

I think I've let the side down a little! :)

Pondside said...

Still cold and rainy here, so I guess the March Lamb is still asleep in the barn.

Gerry Snape said...

"Pop" was medicinal in my home, unless uncle John made it when it was apparantly just fruit juice! even when it was 30 per cent! Are we talking poteen? maybe!

The Poetry Bus said...

Like a roaring lion here too Weaver,specially in the night, but calming as we speak.
And if that little rhyme doesn't sum up the love affair of drink then 'I'll go to the foot of our stairs!'

We live in a bungalow.

Heather said...

I was thinking of that old saying this morning as I watched the branches thrashing about in the wind. Things are moving on apace now and there are definite signs of greening on many trees. Love the little rhyme Pat - my husband would like that bread recipe with beer as an ingredient!!

Bovey Belle said...

Your wish is my command. Marsh Marigolds over on my blog for you now!

Loved the little ditty!

Lori at Jarvis House said...

Does that Yorkshire rhyme also work for chocolate? It is still like a Lion here on Long Island. The month is over and we haven't seen any Lambs. Tomorrow it might snow! This is very unusual. Spring will come soon.

Dartford Warbler said...

March is going out like a cold, wet lion here! It has been a lovely month though, just what we needed after the long, freezing winter.

I shall show the rhyme to my Yorkshire husband now.....

Acornmoon said...

Love that verse Weaver!

My Great Garndfather used to say-

"Here's to you, as good as you are, as bad as I am,
I'm as good as you are, as bad as I am."

Titus said...

I was blown up the street today! Incredible winds.

Dave King said...

So much blossom out on the trees just now, a bit worrying, this wind. Loved the verse. Top stuff.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Strong winds and strong drink eh - both seems to generate rhymes. Thanks for the comments.