Andy was here today so I ventured out for my first snow walk after being housebound for a week with a lung infection. I am still on antibiotics until Friday but I really feel back to normal again. Today the sky was overcast and really very dark all day. It looked like more snow was coming but it never happened and there was actually a good thaw today.
I don’t fall into illness mode easily and do not spend time lying in bed. Instead I use the time indoors to get houseworky tasks done. Friends sourced some organic Seville oranges at the bargain price of 2 euros per kilo. Four kilos of them have now been turned into delicious marmalade. It is a long process but so worth the effort. Home made marmalade is just a different experience to the mass produced stuff. One batch turned a dark brown colour just like Oxford marmalade.
A little gardening was also done today. These scented Tulips were half price in the January sale at a local garden centre and couldn’t be resisted. A little late being planted but now in pots in the polytunnel they will soon catch up. I really want a lot more scent in the garden so that is one of the aspects I shall be focusing on this year. More beds for planting vegetables is also high on the to be done list.
Still lots of greens in the tunnel. Rocket, Purslane and Spinach are a welcome addition to meals. The Spring Onions are a bit small yet but will grow quickly when the weather warms and the days grow longer.
The Sun is still low enough in the sky to create interesting morning shadows however this evening there was still some light at 5.30. So looking forward to Spring and the year ahead. A few trips planned but not to be revealed as yet!
The view down the lane is bleak today but before long everything will be clothed in green again. Looking forward to that time. For me Winter is something that has to be tolerated to get to the glory days of Spring and Summer again. That is my time!
fromacountrycottage 
Great to have you back and to put a face to the name
The marmalade looks good.
Yes, it set well and tastes good too.
Do you like watercress Bridget? I love the stuff and have just ordered the seed from The Organic Centre, it only needs to be kept watered and can be grown in pots, your pond might be a good place if you like it enough to grow as something different.
Love cress, in salads and in soup. Have some cress growing in the polytunnel. Yes for cress in the pond!
I agree about the “glory days” of spring and summer. I’m trying to be patient!
I’m itching to get my hands in the soil again.
glad you are feeling better 🙂
Thanks! It feels good.x
Glad to hear you’re on the mend Bridget. I fully agree with you…. Winter is like the time when we hibernate and recharge our batteries and then we’re ready for the cycle to begin all over again! Have fun in preparing your garden for it and I look forward to reading your blog 🙂 Take care. Miriam
Thanks Miriam! Hope it is a good year for you too. Do visit sometime. xx
Glad you’re feeling so much better, Bridget, and that you can get out of the house for a bit of bracing Irish winter air.: To everything, a season…I’m the same when it comes to winter…I long for the longer days and the warmth that spring and summer brings (well…at least more than during the winter months) too. I really have to force myself to get out from under the duvet during these weeks. Hang in there…the sunshine and the warmth and all that lush and luscious green is only just around the corner.
Glad you are feeling better….I have never seen snow in Ireland but it looks lovely. I wish we had a thaw.
Hi Bridget, I hope by now your lung infection has long shifted and you are feeling much better. We didn’t get any snow this winter. I know it can be a nuisance but I do love that lovely brightness and silence that comes with it. But, on the plus side, spring is well on its way! Only yesterday I spotted 2inch tips of wild garlic pushing their way up- Yay!
I am totally over the lung infection now. So looking forward to Spring. Just want to get out there and garden.