Spring. Sprung?

Spring has visibly begun to move on the Levels: pussy willow is on its way out, the hazel catkins have been out for nearly a couple of weeks, our garden is a mass of snowdrops and the crocus and daffodils are starting to put in an appearance. It feels softer and lighter, although there's still a raw edge to the wind and since Trevor has experienced snow on his birthday before now (which is in June), no one is holding their breath. I have vases full of mimosa, hyacinths, narcissi and iris at home.

We have been on a couple of long walks - one to the bird reserve, which is filling up with wild ducks and swans, and one to Berrow flats and the beach. I thought we were in for a storm last night, but I woke to a very fiery sunrise this morning (not sunset, as I posted on FB - really not a morning person).

We made it to Wells market yesterday - a very busy farmers' market, and I notice that people are branching out into things like cupcakes and macaroons, as well as a couple of stalls selling very good vegetarian and Indian food. J and I were supposed to be going up to Bristol today and the Chinese warehouse, but this has been postponed and I've been spending my unexpectedly free morning dealing with housework, paperwork, and manuscripts. I will be finishing off this quarter's short stories this afternoon - as well as a heavy teaching load in the last week, one of the stories just hasn't gelled....until it suddenly did. That happens.

I have been reading intensively for the Clarke's list over the last few weeks, and am now reading pkmorrison 's novels Love Him Madly and A Hard Slay's Night (available from Lulu, in hard copy and download). These are great fun - the last is in the grand old tradition of English country house murders, as well as featuring swinging London and rock and roll. Really, what's not to like? This is rapidly becoming one of my favourite detective series.