We're now only two weeks from New Year, and all the celebrations that entailed. But it seems a lot longer. It's cold, oh so cold, and spring feels a long way off. The trees are bare, our purses empty, and our waist bands just a little bit tight. Everyone's recovering from Christmas excesses, and have their heads down, plodding to February.
But January isn't completely devoid of fun and celebration. On 12th night the 'Wassail' is celebrated. No one knows when the tradition started but it is believed to be of Anglo Saxon origin. And then of course there's Burns Night, at the end of January. So, at least two excuses for a bit of a party.
And it won't be too long before snowdrops start appearing, then the croci, swiftly followed by daffodils. Mr Maud and I have a major gardening project to take on this year, and I've already spent far too long on pinterest, searching for ideas. My next stop will be all those gloriously colourful seed catalogues.
When I was little and looking forward to something, my mum would always warn 'don't wish your life away!' But it is hard not to dream of long, warm (hopefully!) summer evenings. So instead of counting the days until Easter, I'm going to take advantage of bright cold days by getting outside and enjoying the beautiful English countryside, and when the weather isn't quite so good, catch up on some reading.
I wish everyone a lovely 2016!
MM
