A Long Time Coming

Its been a long time coming. It is now into the first week of May, a time when normally the country would be in full bloom. Lush grass in the fields and boasting rights to the first farmer in the parish to cut his first cut of silage.
This year has been different. Its been cold and windy. The North wind has seldom stopped blowing. Average temperatures are many degrees below normal. Growth is 3 to 4 weeks behind. As are flowers.
Our early Tulips, which normally would have returned to slumber at this time, are in full bloom

We would often have sweet peas in bloom now, but they are as below

And carrots have just been sown, over 4 weeks late.

Farmers have had a really tough time. Fodder has been imported from the UK and France and milk yields in particular, are down significantly. This is really unfortunate as once dropped they are unlikely to recover. Hense loss of earnings.

On the positive side, the dawn chorus is now majestic. The days are longer and the light is much brighter. I really think the light has an affect on the psyche. The bright, vibrant light of late Spring into Summer brings a new energy. Young men feel the sap rising and old men are reminded of the memory.

So on we go.  Forever hopeful, looking forward, grateful for the support of neighbors and friends.

Surely the Summer will be long and warm. Like it was in the old days.