Loving February...

February can be a difficult month....after a long, dark January it's tempting to believe that maybe Spring is arriving....then something happens to remind you that, in fact, it's still far away...






It can be a little depressing...so I decided to spend some time looking for the lovely things!



I found these...struggling up through their snowy quilt...nothing will hold them back...



This little chap hangs in the 'bird tree'...which is a feeding station for so many sweethearts each day. This month I've seen nuthatches, goldfinches, long-tailed tits, green finches, blue tits and even a green woodpecker...but the newest addition to the garden bird life is...



This beautiful boy. His name is Niles. He's a Crane. If you love 'Frasier' as much as we do, you'll understand....! In a few months, he'll have day-lilies growing about his feet...
Things are gorgeous inside, too...



I made marmalade...



This is the cranberry orange version...many jars now tucked away for eating & giving away...



The cold weather is a good excuse for eating. Bread & butter pudding...slightly wobbly, filled with eggs, cream, raisins & orange zest...






Brownies...of course...walnut or double chocolate...well, you need plenty of insulation against the cold! I have to admit that I don't actually eat all these delights...they are orders for my bakery customers! But I do indulge sometimes...



My afternoon break means a big valentines cup of Lapsang Souchong tea...often with...



A hot toasted tea cake, spread with butter...which is one of my absolute favourite treats!
Bringing some outside beauty inside is a good way of cheering the last days of winter...



Whether it's sunny daffodils...



Or deliciously scented hyacinths...it's a wonderful perk for a dark corner..



And I have a big stack of new books..



Work projects and lovely things to do...the days are full and happy...and the sun has just come out!




It's Valentine's Day, of course...


And I've been reflecting on what love really means...it's different for everyone, I guess. But for me, real love means being warm-hearted, open-minded, generous, accepting and tolerant...getting through the not so good days together and then basking in the joy of the great ones. I am lucky to have so much love in my life...in all its many forms...romance, family, friends, children and this little girl...



Sleeping quietly as I write...

I share my love with you all today, and every day! Thanks so much for reading and commenting...it means a lot to me, truly.

And in celebration of that, my next post will contain a special giveaway...
See you soon! Xoxo