A Blast of Snow

I knew it was coming, timed perfectly for my Mother-in-law's visit and we went from snowy showers to this overnight.

It was the most snow we have had in the six years we have been here, fabulously powdery, all the sounds were muffled in a bubble of peace but no chance of getting out on ungritted roads up steep hills. We sit at 620 metres altitude and the views were spectacular.

The big dog loved it, the smaller dog hated it but bravely waded through the snow as I fetched wood for the stove. He wasn't going to let me die alone in the blizzard.

Poor Tim and his Mother were trapped in the hotel but their hosts were fabulous, feeding them and ensuring that they had a roaring log fire. We still have a leaking roof and no hot water so we felt that Tim's 91 year old mother would be happier in the best that money can afford locally, and we were right.
It was very beautiful though.

Blooming Marvelous

I have blossom and flowers, everything is waking up. The weather is still variable but I have seen bumble bees working so I am hoping for fruit later in the year. Butterflies appear at the first hint of sun all year round here. I have also seen the first few flies heralding the plagues that are to come.

The nectarine is a mass of blossom and the outdoor peach is not far behind, although less spectacular as it is still struggling with peach leaf curl which it gets every year. I hope that it will be less affected as it gets older.

The early plums are also in bloom but more bees are needed.

I am trying broad beans in the polytunnel this winter. I chose 'The Sutton' which is dwarf and so far they are looking good, I just hope that they again get fertilised.

Finally the kittens are now recovered fully from their spaying and vaccinations and are outwitting the dogs and exploring the garden. At first they would get stuck up things (trees/porch/roof) and I would have to fetch them down with a ladder but now they can go down as well as up which is a great relief to all. This is Dinah up one of the old apple trees this morning.